Todd Boehly, co-owner of Chelsea, has suggested that the Premier League should explore the possibility of selling its global TV rights to Netflix. Speaking publicly for the first time about the ongoing challenges at Chelsea and the Premier League’s future, Boehly highlighted the league’s widespread appeal and the value of its content. He emphasized that platforms like Netflix could play a key role in the global success of the Premier League, given the global demand for its product.
Boehly indicated that there are very few global platforms capable of hosting such high-demand content, with Netflix being one of the primary contenders. He pointed out that the partnership could help unlock new opportunities for media distribution on a global scale. While not suggesting that a deal with Netflix is an immediate necessity, Boehly made it clear that he believes this is the direction the Premier League will likely take in the future. His remarks echoed the sentiment that sports leagues can leverage digital platforms for growth, as the streaming model becomes more prevalent across industries.
In his comments on Chelsea’s own situation, Boehly acknowledged the criticism directed at him from supporters but remained confident in the direction the club was taking. He noted the restructuring efforts underway at Chelsea, including the introduction of new leadership in key areas like management, the academy, and the sporting director position. While Chelsea fans have voiced frustration, Boehly believes that focusing on long-term objectives will ultimately steer the club in the right direction. He emphasized the importance of understanding that progress is rarely linear, but as long as Chelsea is trending in the right direction, the work will continue.
Boehly also reflected on the complexities of ownership in top-level football, noting that it’s impossible to please everyone all the time. His focus is on executing a solid plan for the club’s future, even as they navigate through periods of dissatisfaction. He believes that once owners accept that they won’t be able to keep every fan happy, they can move forward with more freedom in their decision-making. His approach has been to build strong foundations at Chelsea, with a focus on developing the team, both on and off the pitch.
Turning to the Premier League as a whole, Boehly suggested that the competition could learn a lot from the NFL in terms of unity among owners and leadership. He pointed to the NFL’s success in having owners work in concert with each other and a commissioner who effectively communicates the league’s value. Boehly believes the Premier League’s leadership should adopt a similar approach to ensure all clubs are pulling in the same direction. His comments reflect the idea that the Premier League’s continued success will require alignment and collaboration between clubs, as well as a clear focus on long-term goals.
Earlier in the day, Steve Parish, the chairman of Crystal Palace, commented on the current state of the Premier League, dismissing claims of a civil war between clubs. Instead, he acknowledged the challenges the league faces, particularly regarding the introduction of an independent regulator. Parish expressed concern that the regulator’s involvement had led to a standstill in investment, causing a sense of paralysis within the Premier League. He argued that the focus should be on ensuring the league’s financial sustainability and global appeal, which are key to its continued success.
While Parish noted that the league’s media value continues to grow, he warned against making drastic changes to the structure of the competition. He suggested that an American-style model could have been more beneficial, but the Premier League had already established itself differently, and clubs had to adapt using other methods to remain competitive. The emphasis, he said, should be on finding solutions that balance the needs of all clubs while maintaining the league’s global prestige.
