The Rise of Multi-Club Ownership in Football: BlueCo’s Influence on RC Strasbourg and Chelsea
BlueCo’s Multi-Club Ownership Model: A New Era in Football Ownership
In June 2023, the BlueCo consortium made headlines as they became the majority owners of Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg, marking the beginning of another multi-club ownership model in the football world. BlueCo, known for their acquisition of Chelsea Football Club in May 2022, consists of private equity firm Clearlake Capital, chairman Todd Boehly, and minority shareholders Mark Walter and Hansjörg Wyss.
Boehly and his associates are not your typical football purists; they are businessmen who have made their wealth through successful financial deals in various industries. Their takeover of Chelsea in 2022 led to a recruitment drive that initially seemed financially savvy but ultimately fell short of expectations, with the team finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.
Chelsea’s strategy under BlueCo has been focused on buying young players, a trend that has continued with their recent signing of Joao Felix. This emphasis on youth development has raised concerns among fans, especially at Strasbourg, where supporters have criticized the prioritization of young players over experienced ones.
The influence of Chelsea on Strasbourg is evident, with loan moves and permanent signings being orchestrated to benefit both clubs. However, the growing squad sizes and focus on youth development have raised questions about the long-term competitiveness of both teams.
Multi-club ownership models like BlueCo’s are becoming more common in the football world, with over 330 clubs worldwide involved in such arrangements. While these models offer benefits in terms of financial security and value creation, they also raise concerns about the loss of individual club identities and the concentration of power in the hands of a few wealthy owners.
As football clubs increasingly become part of investment portfolios, fans are left to grapple with the consequences of owners prioritizing profit over tradition and competitiveness. The future of football ownership may see a shift towards consolidation of power among a select few clubs, with smaller clubs being used as pawns to support the interests of their wealthier counterparts.
The controversial Super League plans may resurface as top clubs seek to leverage their influence to shape the future of the game. In this new era of football ownership, fans must navigate the complex landscape of multi-club models and the implications they have for the sport they love.