Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is among several American sports billionaires considering an ownership bid for European powerhouse Chelsea Football Club, according to U.K. news group Sky News.
Chelsea, the reigning UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup champions and one of the world’s most popular sports franchises, is up for sale due to recent U.K. government sanctions placed against current owner Roman Abramovich. The British sanctions against Abramovich, a Russian oligarch, are part of efforts to isolate President Vladimir Putin over Russia’s recent military invasion of Ukraine.
In Monday’s report, Sky News writes:
Sky News has learnt that Tilman Fertitta, whose wealth is estimated by Forbes at $6.2 billion (£4.8 billion), is among the parties given access to a data room by the merchant bank overseeing the sale of last season’s Champions League winners.
It was unclear on Monday evening whether Fertitta was likely to table an offer for Chelsea by the end of the week, or whether he was in talks about others regarding a joint bid.
A spokeswoman for Fertitta declined to comment, while one person close to the process expressed skepticism that he would ultimately bid.
Houston Rockets owner Fertitta latest US sports tycoon to weigh Chelsea bid https://t.co/m9Xsx9Eh27
— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 14, 2022
Other American sports owners considering a bid include Todd Boehly, part-owner of Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers, and Thomas S. Ricketts, owner of the Chicago Cubs. Woody Johnson, who owns the New York Jets of the National Football League, is also on that list.
As part of an American tour for its 2021 Champions League title, London-based Chelsea brought its official trophy to Toyota Center — the home of Fertitta’s Rockets in downtown Houston — late last fall.
Back on court! 🏆@HoustonRockets 🏀#BluesInTheUSA 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/s1PK98aj9c
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 3, 2021
