Mark Walter Explores Chelsea Stake Sale After Lakers Deal

Mark Walter, the billionaire controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and a minority stakeholder in Chelsea Football Club, is exploring the sale of his 12.8% share in the English Premier League team to majority owner Clearlake Capital. This move comes just days after he agreed to sell his majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.5 billion, a deal he finalized only 14 months after purchasing the NBA franchise. The rapid divestment of major sports assets is unfolding against the backdrop of a federal investigation into Walter’s business dealings.

Walter and his business partner Todd Boehly, who together hold minority stakes in Chelsea through the BlueCo consortium, have reportedly been in discussions with Clearlake Capital about a potential buyout. According to reports, talks have resumed between the parties, though sources indicate no sale is imminent. The potential transaction involves Boehly and Walter selling their personal shareholdings to Clearlake, which holds a 61.5% majority stake in the club. The group originally acquired Chelsea from sanctioned owner Roman Abramovich in 2022 for approximately 2.5 billion pounds.

The sale of the Lakers last week was...