It’s official—and it’s devastating news for Crystal Palace supporters around the world. Woody Johnson, the owner of the NFL’s New York Jets and one of the most maligned figures in American sports ownership, has agreed to purchase a 43% stake in Premier League club Crystal Palace. The deal, which was confirmed by both the Palace board and Johnson’s investment group earlier this morning, has already ignited a firestorm of criticism and concern.
For Palace fans, the reaction is visceral. Known for his tenure overseeing one of the most dysfunctional NFL franchises of the last two decades, Johnson’s track record has left many worried that his entry into English football could spell disaster for the South London club.
In the hours following the announcement, fan forums erupted with outrage. “We’ve just signed our footballing death warrant,” one supporter wrote on Twitter. “If he runs Palace anything like he runs the Jets, we won’t win a single trophy for the next century.”
And it’s not hard to see why they’re worried. Under Johnson’s ownership, the Jets have gone through a carousel of head coaches, botched draft picks, and playoff absences stretching back over a decade. Despite promises of “culture change” and “long-term vision,” the franchise has become synonymous with underperformance and internal dysfunction.
Now, that reputation is following him across the Atlantic.
Though the financials of the stake have not been made public, insiders estimate Johnson’s buy-in to be worth over £150 million. The deal gives him significant influence over commercial and long-term development operations at Crystal Palace, though club sources insist that day-to-day football decisions will still fall under Chairman Steve Parish.
That promise, however, isn’t enough to calm fears. Fans worry that Johnson’s influence could lead to chaotic boardroom decisions, misguided managerial hires, and a focus on profit over performance. Already, there are murmurs about potential changes to the club’s transfer strategy, academy development, and even its branding—areas Johnson has historically meddled in during his NFL tenure.
Adding insult to injury, some fans are joking (with a dash of bitterness) that they’d prefer Johnson just sell the Jets instead.
“If he can sell the Jets to someone competent and focus on Palace with a fresh slate, maybe there’s hope,” said one long-time supporter. “But knowing his history… we’re bracing for the worst.”
As Palace prepares for the upcoming Premier League season, all eyes will be on Johnson’s next moves. Whether he becomes a silent partner or an active disruptor remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the arrival of Woody Johnson has cast a long shadow over Selhurst Park—and Palace fans are not taking it lightly.