The news around the sale of Chelsea is coming thick and fast, as you’d expect, and we’re now pretty much sure who the “preferred bidders” chosen by Raine Group are.
The Todd Boehly bid is a very strong one, perhaps the favourite as things stand, and they have made next stage. Seemingly certain to join them are the unpopular Ricketts family bid, and one from a third American sports team owner – Stephen Pagliuca.
What we do know, thanks to Ben Jacobs, is that all those groups chosen as preferred bidders will then compete “auction style” for ownership, with the highest bidder taking all.
OFFICIAL: Raine has shortlisted four #CFC bids all with US links. Ricketts family are through to next stage. Todd Boehly, David Blitzer & Josh Harris and Stephen Pagliuca have made shortlist. 'Auction' style process now. All four can do due diligence. New owner by end of April.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) March 25, 2022
It’s not nice – and most Chelsea fans won’t like the idea that the Ricketts family (for example) can take control if they just put the most money down, but that’s business.
All we can do is hope that the Chelsea board have shortlisted a good group to choose from.
