Jimmy Butler Group Bids for Crystal Palace Stake

A U.S.-based consortium led by Bejan Esmaili and Wajid Mir, including NBA star Jimmy Butler, is preparing a bid exceeding $200 million for Eagle Football's 43% stake in Premier League club Crystal Palace. The bid values Crystal Palace at over $465 million and aims to resolve the club's eligibility crisis for next season's Europa League, threatened by Eagle Football's majority ownership of Lyon, which conflicts with UEFA's multi-club rules. Palace's general partners have met with UEFA officials, and a final decision is expected later this month; if UEFA rules against Palace, Nottingham Forest could take their Europa League spot. Other interested parties include New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, but his bid has not met the required valuation. Should the Butler-led consortium succeed, Premier League approval would be necessary and the deal could lead to a full takeover. Butler's involvement reflects a broader trend of U.S. athletes investing in English football.