Abramovich Says Goodbye to Chelsea as Sale Reaches Final Agreement
The Facts
After reaching a "final and definitive (sale) agreement" with MLB's LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly, Russian businessman Roman Abramovich issued a farewell statement to Chelsea fans.
Abramovich said "I am pleased this search has now come to a successful conclusion." He added that it "has been an honor of a lifetime" and thanked those who contributed to the team over the past nearly 20 years.
The Spin
Narrative A
Despite the success Roman Abramovich has brought the club, Chelsea has faced an uncertain future and had been playing on borrowed time ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A dicey period has come to an end for the European champs, who can now focus on strengthening the team.
Narrative B
The acquisition by the American-led Boehly consortium highlights the growing popularity of the Premier League in the US. More club owners are now from the US than the UK in the Premier League, and NBCUniversal has taken advantage of the sport's explosion in the US, extending their broadcasting rights for six years.
