A new chapter may be unfolding at Selhurst Park — one that merges the glitz of the NBA with the evolving ownership dynamics of the Premier League.
NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler has reportedly joined a high-profile consortium preparing a £200 million bid to acquire John Textor’s 45% stake in Crystal Palace FC, as per The Athletic (June 11).
This latest bid places Butler in partnership with:
- Bejan Esmaili, former Morgan Stanley sports executive
- Wajid Mir, ex-Roc Nation lawyer
Notably, the group replaces earlier discussions that included Jason Kidd (now part of Everton’s ownership group) and early Saudi backers Haider and Mansoor Syed.
From Basketball to Selhurst
Butler’s football interest stems back to the 2016 Rio Olympics, where his admiration for Neymar Jr. catalyzed a broader passion for the sport — later leading to a personal friendship with the Brazilian star.
The group is reportedly supported by American investors with prior experience in global football, and negotiations with John Textor have already advanced significantly. The offer is said to exceed Textor’s £175 million asking price — signaling serious intent.
Who Is John Textor — and Why Sell?
Textor’s involvement in Crystal Palace has come under scrutiny due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
As majority shareholder of Olympique Lyonnais (France) and minority owner of Crystal Palace, his simultaneous stakes in two clubs both qualifying for the 2025–26 Europa League trigger Article 5 of UEFA’s integrity regulations, which prohibit dual ownership conflicts within the same competition.
To preserve Palace’s European eligibility following their historic FA Cup win in May, Textor is under pressure to offload his stake swiftly. Talks with UEFA are ongoing, led by club chairman Steve Parish.
A Strategic Opportunity Masked as a Governance Dilemma
This story isn’t just about a sports celebrity entering football — it’s a case study in governance, value arbitrage, and regulatory timing.
For Investors:
Crystal Palace’s European qualification has unexpectedly amplified the urgency to resolve ownership conflicts — turning what was once a complex asset into a time-sensitive, high-leverage opportunity. Strategic buyers with sports IP expertise and compliance foresight can enter at a fair valuation and inherit European football upside.
For Clubs:
This is a masterclass in the risks of multi-club ownership. If structured poorly, it becomes a limitation — if done right (as seen with the Red Bull model), it becomes a value multiplier. Ownership models must be designed with UEFA compliance baked into their future scenarios.
For Brands:
With a new ownership group potentially entering — especially one featuring a U.S. sports icon — Crystal Palace’s global marketability is poised for reinvention. Expect new crossover content, global campaigns, and an American-led digital strategy push.
Want to Future-Proof Your Investment or Ownership Strategy?
At 365247 Consultancy, we advise clubs, athletes, investors, and rights holders on:
- Navigating multi-club ownership frameworks
- Strategic acquisition opportunities
- UEFA and league-level governance risk
- Building crossover market narratives (sports, entertainment, and geography)
Book your introductory call here.
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IMAGE: EPA
