New York Jets Co-Owner Woody Johnson Offers to Buy Crystal Palace Stake; Could Rescue Europa League Hopes 2d2d15

New York Jets co-owner Woody Johnson has made an offer to buy John Textor’s minority stake at Premier League side Crystal Palace.

If the sale goes through, Crystal Palace could save themselves from the heartbreak of being disqualified from next season’s UEFA Europa League.

Crystal Palace Sale: New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson Wants to Buy Minority Stake 315r1s

Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace made history last month, as they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The victory at Wembley Stadium not only ended their 120-year wait for a major trophy but also propelled them to the UEFA Europa League. However, shortly after Palace qualified for the second-biggest European tournament, uncertainty rained on their victory parade.

John Textor, who owns a 43% stake in Palace, is also the controlling shareholder of Lyon, who have also qualified for Europa. As per UEFA multi-club ownership rules, shareholders cannot have an interest in multiple clubs in one European competition. As a consequence, Crystal Palace would be ineligible to participate in the Europa League next year.

🇺🇸 🚨BREAKING: John Textor has an offer to sell his Eagle Football Holdings stake in Crystal Palace from Woody Johnson, who owns the NFL franchise New York Jets.

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— Palace Report (@PalaceReport) June 12, 2025

The only surefire way to avoid disqualification is if Textor sells his entire stake in Palace by June 27. And according to Sky Sports, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has emerged as a strong contender to take the club off Textor’s hands.

The 78-year-old has placed an official bid for Palace, which is reportedly in the region of £190 million. Last month, reports claimed he was even interested in becoming Palace’s primary shareholder.

In addition to Textor, David Blitzer, Josh Harris, and chairman Steve Parish hold stakes in the club. The American duo of Blitzer and Harris own 36% while Parish has around 10%.

Who is Potential Crystal Palace Owner Woody Johnson? 5u5e2g

Woody Johnson is an heir to the renowned Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune. He served as an ambassador to the UK during Donald Trump’s first term between 2017 and 2021. According to reports, he still maintains a close relationship with the US President.

Johnson has been a co-owner of the New York Jets since 2000. The NFL franchise is currently worth around $6.9 billion (£5.1 billion). Under his tutelage, the Jets moved to the MetLife Stadium. The venue will host the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2025 and the World Cup final next year.

Understand Uefa's decision on whether Crystal Palace will be allowed to compete in next season's Europa League likely to be made towards the end of June. Told that it could make difference if John Textor sells stake before then, with Woody Johnson believed to have offered £190m

— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) June 12, 2025

UEFA Ruling Keeps Palace’s Europa League Hopes Alive 27382l

By selling his stake to Woody Johnson or any other suitor by June 27, John Textor could keep Crystal Palace in the Europa League. However, if that does not pan out for some reason, the South Londoners could still be in the Europa League next year.

A recent UEFA ruling has given Crystal Palace a lifeline. The governing body does not think Textor handles day-to-day operations at Palace. He is still open to reg from his post as Palace director and selling all his holdings.

In 2023, Textor claimed he was not involved with Palace’s recruitment, development, or anything commercial. He famously called his stake “the most expensive season ticket” in the world. Possibly to be more involved, Textor tried to buy Everton in 2024 before Dan Friedkin swooped in.