Stefan Borson: Todd Boehly could leave Chelsea stadium ‘problem’ for next owners
Chelsea are looking to increase their stadium capacity in a bid to keep pace financially with their Premier League rivals.
The matter was understood to be a key issue for Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital when they bought the club in May 2022.
Chelsea’s owners are debating over whether to leave Stamford Bridge or expand their existing stadium, with Earl’s Court viewed as a possible location for a new facility.
However, Chelsea are facing a new headache after Hammersmith and Fulham Council – one of the local authorities involved in the decision-making process – green lighted an alternative plan for the site at a meeting on 26 November.
The proposal, which has been put forward by the Earl’s Court Development Company, is for a £10billion housing and retail project.
Chelsea’s stadium plans are ‘hugely expensive’
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Chelsea’s hierarchy could decide to leave the stadium “problem” for the club’s next owners to resolve due to the complexities around it.
It comes after Boehly previously admitted it could be 2042 before Chelsea can build a new stadium.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “It looks like an intractable problem. I don’t know.
“There’s not that many options in that part of London, and any of these options are hugely expensive.
“That includes staying where they are and redeveloping Stamford Bridge.”
Clearlake Capital, which is spearheaded by Behdad Eghbali, holds a 61 per cent stake at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Boehly owns close to 39 per cent of Chelsea, but that is split between himself, Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss.
How much matchday revenue do Chelsea generate?
Borson insisted the next Chelsea owners could be the ones to complete the stadium project.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we keep hearing these sorts of stories for the next X number of years and, ultimately, it’s left on the table for the next owner,” said Borson.
“You patch up the stadium, develop it as best you can, and leave it as the potential upside for the next owner.”
Chelsea’s latest accounts for 2023-24 revealed they generated £469million of revenue, while their matchday income stood at £80m.
Stamford Bridge has a capacity of 40,173, making it the 11th-largest stadium in the Premier League.
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