How Donald Trump Re-Election Could Impact Chelsea US Growth Plans and Todd Boehly Vision
Donald Trump’s re-election could present new challenges for Premier League clubs like Chelsea that have focused on growth in the U.S. market.
Chelsea’s American co-owner Todd Boehly and his consortium have made U.S. expansion a cornerstone of their business strategy since purchasing the club in 2022, targeting revenue from U.S.-based merchandise sales, broadcast rights, and pre-season tours.
Given Trump’s “America First” stance, however, increased import tariffs or new regulations on foreign merchandise and events could impact these ambitions.
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One potential hurdle is tariffs on imported goods, which could include Premier League merchandise. This might inflate the price of Chelsea kits sold in the U.S., placing them at a competitive disadvantage compared to domestic sports apparel.
Professor Simon Chadwick, an expert in global sports business, warns that such tariffs could raise merchandise costs by as much as 30%, making it more challenging to attract new fans in an already competitive market dominated by American sports leagues like the NFL and NBA.
Moreover, the Premier League’s U.S. media rights, valued at approximately £2 billion in the current cycle, could face restrictions or increased costs under Trump’s protectionist policies, reducing the appeal of English football in America.
Additional taxes on earnings from lucrative pre-season tours in the U.S. are another possibility, potentially cutting into profits that clubs rely on for growth.
Chelsea’s Boehly, along with other U.S.-based Premier League owners, has already shown an interest in U.S. political ties, with Boehly supporting Republican representatives.
However, as Chadwick notes, Trump’s policies could ultimately clash with the interests of Premier League owners looking to tap into the U.S. market.
How Donald Trump Re-Election Could Impact Chelsea US Growth Plans and Todd Boehly Vision
