New York Jets owner Woody Johnson agrees to buy Crystal Palace stake

NFL New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has reached an agreement to acquire a 43% stake in Crystal Palace for £190 million from American businessman John Textor — as announced by the club this June.

The deal still requires Premier League approval and Johnson must pass the Owners and Directors’ Test — a mandatory procedure for club owners in English football.

Crystal Palace, fresh off winning the 2024-25 FA Cup, faces challenges regarding next season’s Europa League participation due to dual ownership issues. Textor, who also holds controlling shares in French club Lyon, failed to meet UEFA’s March 1 deadline to place his shares in a blind trust.

Steve Parish as chairman along with American investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer will maintain operational control of the club. Johnson — who previously served as US ambassador to the UK — had earlier attempted to purchase Chelsea in 2022 following sanctions against Roman Abramovich.