Crystal Palace’s New Chapter: What Woody Johnson’s Arrival Means for the Eagles
Ownership Shift Promises Stability
Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets and former U.S. ambassador to the UK, is poised to become Crystal Palace’s largest shareholder after acquiring John Textor’s 43% stake in the club. As Matt Woosnam of The Athletic outlines, Johnson’s arrival signals a reshuffling of Palace’s general partnership structure — but potentially a smoother, less confrontational setup.
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Textor’s Eagle Football group had long been misaligned with Palace’s executive chairman Steve Parish and fellow stakeholders Josh Harris and David Blitzer. In contrast, Johnson is expected to adopt a more hands-off approach, similar to Harris and Blitzer, both of whom have supported Parish’s decisions without much interference. As Woosnam notes, “Johnson is likely to be more akin to Blitzer and Harris in his approach as the fourth partner.”
Palace’s Growing Foundations
Palace are enjoying one of the most prosperous periods in their 120-year history. They not only lifted the FA Cup for the first time in May but also secured a record 53 Premier League points and Europa League qualification. However, their European hopes were clouded by potential breaches of UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, due to Lyon — also owned by Eagle — qualifying for the same competition.
Woosnam explains that Textor’s lack of influence over Palace was central to the club’s UEFA defence: “Textor does not hold decisive influence… he has been shut out of decision-making.” His exit may simplify Palace’s compliance and eliminate future conflicts of interest.
What Johnson Brings — and Doesn’t
Woody Johnson’s NFL track record is less than stellar. Former players and staff from the Jets described his ownership as “impulsive” and even “dysfunctional,” with reports of him making disparaging remarks and relying on input from his teenage sons. The NFLPA ranked him the worst owner in terms of player culture and investment willingness.
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Yet Palace’s structure won’t allow Johnson that level of influence. “He is not expected to play a significant role in the way the club is run,” Woosnam states, suggesting Parish will retain operational control. Johnson’s diplomatic experience and familiarity with UK life may also help him integrate more seamlessly than his NFL history suggests.
Future Investment and Selhurst Plans
One major question is whether Johnson will fund significant projects — particularly the £200m redevelopment of Selhurst Park. Textor had been willing to participate in capital calls; it remains to be seen if Johnson will do the same. While Parish typically avoids debt financing, the scale of the stadium upgrade may require more than cautious budgeting.
With a revamped academy, strong financial footing, and ownership of their stadium and training ground, Palace are a well-run Premier League outfit. If Johnson supports growth without disruption, his arrival could enhance — rather than destabilise — the club’s upward momentum.
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From a Crystal Palace supporter’s perspective, this deal represents both a fresh opportunity and a cautious gamble. The exit of John Textor, whose influence was increasingly at odds with the club’s direction, removes a layer of instability that many fans quietly feared could derail progress. With Woody Johnson stepping in, fans will hope for calm, not chaos.
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There’s no ignoring Johnson’s reputation with the New York Jets — an organisation often accused of dysfunction under his watch. As The Athletic detailed, “players believed that management responded to feedback by making conditions worse.” That is a red flag in any sporting context. However, Palace’s structure, with Steve Parish firmly at the helm, offers crucial safeguards. Unlike the Jets, this isn’t a club Johnson can run unilaterally.
Parish remains the face of Crystal Palace and the architect behind the club’s most successful era in modern history. From saving the club out of administration to delivering an FA Cup and European football, his vision has proven effective. If Johnson supports rather than obstructs, there’s a real chance this partnership can be productive.
Palace fans will be particularly focused on one key issue: investment. With the Selhurst Park redevelopment now costing over £200m, Johnson’s willingness to fund long-term infrastructure could make or break the club’s next phase. Textor, for all his friction, did contribute capital. Will Johnson do the same, or simply maintain his share without deepening his commitment?
The hope is that his UK experience as a former ambassador, coupled with his wealth and desire to be involved in English football, means Johnson understands what makes a club like Palace tick — community, history, and sustainable growth. This isn’t a club in need of a flashy revolution. It’s one poised for steady, smart progression.
In short, Palace fans won’t expect miracles from Johnson — but they will expect respect for the club’s culture, trust in Parish, and the investment to build on a historic season.