Premier League outfit, Crystal Palace, have made known that Robert Wood Johnson, New York Jets co-owner, has reached an agreement with the Eagles to become the club’s largest shareholder, purchasing the 43% stake which belongs to Eagle Football Holdings, the company run by John Textor, American investor.
Textor also has a domineering interest in French Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Lyonnais, who—like FA Cup winners Palace—had qualified for the 2025–26 Europa League season. With both teams under the same multi-club umbrella and involved in the same UEFA competition, there was the very real risk that one of the sides would be demoted into the Conference League to avoid a conflict of interests.
The Club announced via its official website: “Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Robert Wood Johnson, “Woody”, an American businessman and co-owner of the New York Jets, has signed a legally binding contract to purchase Eagle Football’s holding in the Club.
“Whilst the completion is pending approval from the Premier League and Women’s Super League, we do not envisage any issues and look forward to welcoming Woody as a partner and director of the club.
“We would like to go on record to thank John Textor for his contribution over the past four years and wish him every success for the future.”
78-year old Johnson has been owner the Jets since 2000 and previously served as the United States (US) ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK).
The heir of the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical company is thought to be worth roughly £6.8 billion ($9.18 billion).
Photo: Justin Setterfield – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
