New York Jets owner Robert "Woody" Johnson is preparing a bid to purchase the English Premier League's Chelsea FC from Roman Abramovich, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Russian oligarch Abramovich is reportedly ready to sell the club as pressure on the U.K. government to seize the assets of high-value individuals linked to Vladimir Putin increases after the country's invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich, who is seeking $3.93 billion for the London-based club, has always denied allegations of having ties to the Russian president.
Johnson would become the latest NFL owner to buy an EPL team, joining Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke (Arsenal FC) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Glazer family (Manchester United), among others. After serving as the United States' ambassador in London, Johnson became very knowledgeable of Chelsea and the Premier League.
Chelsea are currently in third place of the Premier League and won the UEFA Champions League last year after defeating fellow English club, Manchester City. Jets played in London last season, a Week 5 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.