NBA Star Jimmy Butler Joins Consortium Plans Buying Crystal Palace Stake

A consortium led by NBA star Jimmy Butler, alongside sports executives Bejan Esmaili and Wajid Mir, is preparing a $200 million offer to acquire Eagle Football's 43% stake in Premier League club Crystal Palace. This bid would value the club at approximately $465 million and resolve UEFA's multi-club ownership issues, as Eagle Football also holds a majority stake in Olympique Lyonnais, both clubs qualifying for the Europa League. UEFA rules prohibit clubs under common ownership from competing in the same European tournament, threatening Crystal Palace's eligibility for the 2025–26 Europa League. The consortium's acquisition would provide financial stability and clarify ownership ahead of a critical summer for the club. Other investors, including NFL's New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, have shown interest but have not met financial expectations. This potential sale highlights the growing involvement of American sports figures in European football ownership, with Butler joining ranks of athletes like LeBron James and Tom Brady who have invested in football clubs.