Woody Johnson is going international.
The New York Jets owner has become a familiar face across the pond in recent years, having previously served as the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom during President Donald Trump’s first administration. As the NFL’s international marketing rights have expanded, teams began vying for exclusive shares of specific markets.
Johnson’s Jets were awarded marketing rights to the UK, making it the green-and-whites’ second home under the NFL Global Markets program. Eight other teams have those rights.
Now Johnson is digging into the world’s game, buying a stake in the Premier League’s Crystal Palace. The move was announced by the soccer team on Monday, with ESPN reporting the 43% stake owned by John Textor was sold to Johnson for $254 million.
“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,” the club said in a statement.
The sale will have to pass the league’s Owners and Directors’ Test, something that isn’t expected to be a problem.
Johnson bought the Jets for $635 million in 2000, an NFL record at the time. He now adds a second professional sports franchise to his portfolio, a trend that is becoming increasingly commonplace across pro sports. Johnson is set to join a Crystal Palace ownership group that includes Washington Commanders owners, Josh Harris and David Blitzer – who each own 18% of the club.
The Jets owner previously attempted to buy Chelsea F.C. in 2022, noting he became a fan of the team during his time as ambassador.
Now it appears Johnson will be trading in his Chelsea blue for Palace’s red-and-blue.
