Crystal Palace Football Club is a professional football team that competes in the English Premier League, the top tier of English football. The club is based in South London, England, and plays its home games at Selhurst Park. Founded in 1905, Crystal Palace has a passionate fan base and a rich history of fluctuating between divisions before establishing itself in the Premier League.
Over the years, Palace has become known for its exciting style of play and strong community ties. In recent seasons, it made history by winning its first major trophy, the FA Cup in 2025.
Ownership Status of Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace is not owned by a single individual. Instead, the club is held by a consortium of investors, meaning several people and entities share ownership stakes. This multi-shareholder model allows fans, local businessmen, and global investors to be involved in the club’s governance and financial support.
Major Shareholders
As of January 2026, the key owners of Crystal Palace are:
| Shareholder / Entity | Approx. Ownership | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Woody Johnson | ~43% | Largest individual shareholder; also co-owner of the New York Jets. |
| Josh Harris | ~18% | U.S. investor; co-owner of major American sports franchises. |
| David Blitzer | ~18% | U.S. investor; sports team owner in the U.S. and Europe. |
| Steve Parish (Chairman) | ~10% | English businessman and long-time club leader. |
| Robert Franco | ~5% | Business investor with a smaller stake in the club. |
| Other Investors | ~6% | Held by minor shareholders or club supporters. Est. remainder. |
Note: Ownership percentages are approximate and can change over time through investment deals or share transfers.
Key Shareholder Highlights
About Crystal Palace Largest individual shareholder – Woody Johnson
- Robert “Woody” Johnson is the largest individual shareholder in Crystal Palace, owning roughly 43% of the club.
- He is also well known as a co-owner of the NFL team, the New York Jets.
- Johnson acquired his stake in a deal completed in 2025, purchasing it from former majority owner John Textor for around £190 million.
Woody Johnson Net Worth
Woody Johnson has an estimated net worth of around $9–10 billion (USD) as of 2026. His wealth primarily comes from the Johnson & Johnson fortune, as he is an heir to the pharmaceutical giant founded by his great-grandfather. Beyond his inherited wealth, Johnson has significantly expanded his financial portfolio through sports ownership, real estate, and private investments. He is best known as the co-owner of the NFL’s New York Jets and, more recently, as the largest shareholder of Crystal Palace FC following his 2025 investment. His strong financial backing has positioned him as one of the wealthiest owners associated with English football, providing Crystal Palace with long-term financial stability.
Josh Harris and David Blitzer
- Each owns about 18% of Crystal Palace.
- Both investors are seasoned sports owners, involved in several major American franchises.
Steve Parish
- Parish is an English businessman and serves as the chairman of Crystal Palace.
- He first helped save the club from financial trouble in 2010 by leading a consortium that bought the club.
- While not the largest shareholder, he plays a crucial role in the club’s day-to-day management and football decisions.
Robert Franco
- A South African investor with approximately 5% ownership.
- His investment has supported infrastructure improvements and club development.
Recent Developments in Ownership
A notable change in recent years was the sale of the large stake formerly held by American investor John Textor. Textor had been the largest shareholder after joining the club’s ownership group in 2021 but sold his stake to Woody Johnson in 2025 to avoid UEFA ownership conflicts (which had threatened Palace’s eligibility for European competition).
This sale reshaped the ownership structure by placing Johnson at the forefront as the leading investor at the club, while established owners Parish, Harris, Blitzer, and Franco retained their positions.
FAQs
1. Who owns Crystal Palace FC?
Crystal Palace is owned by a group of shareholders with Woody Johnson as the largest individual owner, along with major stakeholders Josh Harris, David Blitzer, Steve Parish, and Robert Franco.
2. Is Crystal Palace owned by a single person?
No. The club uses a consortium ownership model, meaning several investors share control and influence.
3. Who is the chairman of Crystal Palace?
The chairman is Steve Parish, who also holds a significant share and leads the club’s strategic decisions.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. In 2025, Woody Johnson bought a large 43% stake from John Textor, altering the ownership balance and making Johnson the largest shareholder.