Sport Features

NICK CANDY is the latest billionaire reportedly eyeing up a takeover at Chelsea.The British tycoon is said to be ready to test Roman Abrambovich’s resolve by bidding £2.5billion for his boyhood club, which would include a £1.5billion redevelopment of the ageing Stamford Bridge.
Billionaire Nick Candy, a lifelong Chelsea fan, is reportedly entering the race to buy the BluesCredit: Rex Features
The luxury property tycoon is married to Aussie beauty Holly ValanceCredit: Rex
The 47-year-old Londoner amassed his fortune alongside his older brother Christian as a luxury property developer, and owns several high-profile buildings around the world.
He owns a mansion in West London worth over £75million, and added a Cotswold country home to his portfolio last year.
Used to the high-life, he had a £60million super yacht but sold it to make room for a much bigger boat.
Famously, he has been married to ex-Neighbours beauty Holly Valance since 2012, and they have two children together.
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Money bags
The Candy brothers were both spurred on to follow a career in property development, when they bought their first home in Earl’s Court, London, following a £6,000 loan from their grandmother.
They paid £122,000 for the flat, renovated it, and 18 months later sold it for £172,000 – making a tidy £50,000 profit.
At the same time, they were working day jobs too – Nick worked in advertising, while Christian held a job at investment bank Merrill Lynch.
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Eventually, they were able to give those jobs up to move into property development full-time.
In 2004, they joined forces with a private company owned by the Prime Minister of Qatar to buy Bowater House in Knightsbridge, turning it into One Hyde Park, which now houses Rolex, McLaren Automotive and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank businesses.
A tower of 86 luxury apartments were also built, with some penthouses sold fetching the highest prices on record.
Nick had his own five-bedroom penthouse in One Hyde Park, which was placed on the market last year for a mega £175million.
Measuring in at 18,000 square feet, it boasts its own spa, gym, cocktail bar, ‘champagne room’, wine cellar for 750 bottles, media room, two ‘wrap-around’ outdoor terraces, and heated underground parking spaces for four cars.
It’s not known if it was sold, but Nick didn’t waste any time in nabbing another property.
Last year, he splashed over £10million on a stunning Grade II‑listed mansion in Oxfordshire.
The country pad has seven bedrooms, a pool, stables, tennis and squash courts and its own chapel.
One Hyde Park is one of many buildings the Candys ownCredit: Rex Features
Luxury penthouses at One Hyde Park can cost over £100mCredit: Rex Features
Last year, Candy splashed over £10m on a Cotswolds mansion
Nick Candy, left, amassed a huge fortune as a luxury property developer alongside his brother ChristianCredit: Rex Features
Neighbours include Kate Moss, JCB tycoon Lord Bamford, Hugh Grant and the Beckhams.
“We’re very immersed in our quiet country life at weekends and adore the friendly and welcoming village,” he told Daily Mail.
Amazing yacht
Back in 2020, Nick also reportedly listed his fancy super yacht ‘11.11’, the birth date of his daughter, for £53.5million.
However, it appears there have been no takers so far – with the vessel still appearing for sale online.
Built in 2015 by Benetti, it boasts six cabins for 12 guests with a crew of 16 people.
If it hasn’t sold, you can bet it may have been chartered.
But for the privilege, it would cost nearly £600,000 for a week.
The incredible yacht also features a helipad, limo tender, fours bars and two main bedroom suites.
Candy listed his super yacht for £53.5mCredit: Rapphael Belly
Candy lives a glam life with wife Holly ValanceCredit: Getty – Contributor
Stunning missus
Candy’s companion to share his riches with is ex-Aussie soap star Holly Valance.
The former FHM pin-up, now 38, and Nick met in 2009 at a mutual friend’s dinner party in Los Angeles.
“I didn’t know anything about him. I just thought ‘Cor, if I didn’t fancy you so much, we’d be the best of friends. Instead, I want to make out with you all the time,'” she said.
Then she saw his super yacht. She revealed: “When I saw the boat for the first time, I was stunned and said: ‘Oh dear God! It’s a mansion on the water. It’s incredible’.”
Valance moved to London shortly after appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.
Nick soon proposed on a romantic getaway in the Maldives in a five-star luxury resort.
The pair said their ‘I do’s’ in 2012 in a £3million ceremony in Beverly Hills.
Katy Perry was their wedding singer, reportedly paid around £1.2million to perform at the nuptials, while Simon Cowell was also a guest.
Although she flirted with a pop career and has continued acting, Holly now appears focused on motherhood.
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They have two daughters together, Luka, 8, and Nova, 4, and divide their time between the countryside and London.
Perhaps Nick’s next baby might come in the shape of a football club.
Former Neighbours star Valance was a lads’ mag pin-upCredit: Handout
Valance has since put her acting and pop career on the back-burner to raise their childrenCredit: Getty – Contributor More

US businessman Woody Johnson is the latest billionaire to express an interest in buying Chelsea, according to reports.The New York Jets owner, 74, is said to be “readying a bid” after making contact with The Raine Group who have the task of finding a buyer, claim ESPN.
NY Jet’s maligned owner Woody Johnson is reportedly interested in buying ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Johnson is a long time ally of ex-US President Donald TrumpCredit: Getty
The heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune, worth £3billion, is said to have become a fan of the Blues while living in London and serving as US ambassador to the UK.
Johnson is a long time supporter of ex-US President Donald Trump, as well as a Republican Party donor.
Sports-mad, he also has courtside seats at the NY Knicks.
Ally to Trump
Over the years, Johnson was a major Republican Party fundraiser.
Although he initially backed Donald Trump’s nominee rival Jeb Bush in the race for the Republican hot-seat, he soon started supporting Trump when it became clear he was going to be the election candidate.
.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
Then, he poured money into both of Trump’s campaigns.
According to Federal Election Commission records, he gave around £440,000 to Trump Victory – a fundraising committee for the President’s re-election.
On top of that, he donated around £270,000 to the Republican National Committee, and another £800,000 to America First Action – which promoted Trump’s policies.
In 2017, Trump chose Johnson to be his ambassador in the UK.
Stationed in wealthy West London, he became entranced by London life.
In particular, he fell in love with Chelsea although it’s not clear if he made the pilgrimage to Stamford Bridge.
He held the position until 2021, but has since returned to the US.
A Republican Party donor, Johnson got involved in politics in 2017Credit: AP:Associated Press
Trump chose Johnson to be the US ambassador in the UKCredit: AFP
Money talks
The great grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I, Woody inherited the Johnson & Johnson corporation.
He began working for the company after graduating from University of Arizona.
Today, Johnson & Johnson is said to be worth around £330billion.
Privately, though, he is much more guarded.
He has been married twice – first to former model Sale Johnson, who had three of his children, Casey, Daisy, and Jamie.
Wood remarried actress Suzanne Ircha, who is 20-years his junior, in 2009. She is best pals with former First Lady Melania Trump, having mixed in the same socialite circles before she met Donald.
They have two boys, Robert and Jack.
In the past, his wife has called her husband “Prince Charming”. While her and Melania, who have been joint at the hip, share a love for fashion brand Louboutins.
Suzanne Ircha is Johnson’s second wife and they have two sonsCredit: Getty
Ircha (right) and Melania Trump (left) are close pals having met on the NY social sceneCredit: Getty – Contributor
Careful what you wish for
In 2000, Woody bought the NY Jets for a bargain £500million.
However, his reign as owner has been much maligned due to poor performances on the field.
Two years prior to his investment, the Jets had won the AFC divisional play-offs.
But, they would struggle in the following years until 2009 when they reached the same stage again.
For the past six seasons, they have lost more than they have won.
The worst years came between 2017-2021, when Woody’s brother Christopher was CEO and chairman.
During that time, fans have turned on Woody – demanding he give up the team.
Johnson, worth around £3bn, has owned the NY Jets since 2000Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Johnson’s reign has been subject of abuse from fans who have wanted him to sell upCredit: Alamy
Banners reading, “Dear Woody, Sell the team” regularly appear at the MetLife Stadium.
Chelsea fans might be wary of what Woody would have in store for the Blues.
He’s generous
If his political donations and philanthropy are good indicators, then supporters needn’t worry.
Woody has put his money to good use as a philanthropist for various charities.
His biggest contributions hit closer to home – with support for medical research for diabetes and lupus top of his agenda, which he has lobbied for more federal funding for.
He started the foundation, the Alliance for Lupus Research, when he discovered daughter Jaime was diagnosed with lupus in 1999.
Generous Johnson has given plenty of funding to diabetes and lupus charitiesCredit: Getty
As a Chelsea fan, Johnson could have the Blues best interests at heartCredit: Getty
However, in 2010 his life was shattered when his eldest daughter Casey died of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.
In her honour, he has given over £10million to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Chelsea fans will hope he’s equally as generous with the Blues. More

BILLIONAIRE tycoon Todd Boehly is one half of a consortium with Hansjorg Wyss trying to buy Chelsea football club.The American, 46, who owns a stake in the LA Dodgers, is said to be readying a bid with the Swiss businessman this week.
Billionaire tycoon Todd Boehly is part of the consortium interested in buying ChelseaCredit: Getty
But Boehly already has his hands full as the interim CEO of the scandal hit Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
The investor, said to be worth around £5billion, was hired last October to clean up the organisation that produces the cancelled Golden Globe Awards in the wake of racial discrimination.

Although he’s heavily involved with sport, as an owner of Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and WNBA team Los Angeles Sparks, Boehly has enriched his business portfolio in entertainment.
Through his holding company Eldridge, he owns MRC entertainment company, which produces Netflix hit Ozark, and Dick Clark Productions.
While MRC also invests in independent film and TV companies A24, who have received 25 Oscar nominations and Fulwell73, which James Corden is a partner of.
Well-connected in Hollywood, it is not inconceivable that Boehly could pursue turning Chelsea’s fortunes into a TV series.
With a route already into Netflix, as well as a share of Fulwell73 who created Sunderland ‘Til I Die, it almost seems inevitable.
In Los Angeles Boehly, far right, is part owner of the DodgersCredit: Corbis
In Hollywood Boehly is a big playerCredit: Getty
Boehly’s MRC company produces Netflix hit OzarkCredit: COURTESY OF NETFLIX
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His own sporting pedigree
Boehly is of German heritage, after his grandparents emigrated to the US.
At school he was on the wrestling team which won state tournament titles in 1990 and 1991.
So key was Boehly’s role on the team, the school named their facilities after him – calling it the Boehly Family Wrestling Room.
In terms of further education, Boehly graduated from both the College of William and Mary, as well as the London School of Economics – where he would have first got a taste for life in the English capital.
Back in 2019, he was linked with a move for the Blues as well as London rivals Tottenham.
However, he deemed Spurs as too expensive an option with a proposed new stadium on the horizon and an upgrade in facilities.
Boehly is married to Katie and they have three sons, Nick, Zach and ClayCredit: Getty
Family life
Away from business, Boehly is a dedicated family man.
He is married to wife Katie – and they have three sons, Nick, Zach and Clay.
One of Boehly’s credit funds is called NZC Guggenheim – with the NZC coming from his sons’ initials.
The reason for that is an investor wanted assurances from Boehly he would take it seriously, so he named it after his loved ones.
Does his bit for charity
Boehly, left, cheers on the LA DodgersCredit: AP
Alongside wife Katie, Boehly founded the Boehly Center for Excellence in Finance in 2014 at his old university.
The billionaire is on the board of Faces – Finding a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures – and the Brunswick School, a private school in Connecticut.
Elsewhere, Boehly is involved with helping the Prostate Cancer Foundation, as well as the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption – the only non-profit charity in North America dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care.
Heads investigation
In 2021, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was exposed by the Los Angeles Times for its lack of diversity.
At the time, the HFPA, an organisation of journalists and photographers who report on the entertainment industry and cast nominations for the Golden Glove Awards, didn’t have a black member within its then 87-person strong group.
That was reflected who was receiving awards, as notable shows including British TV hit I May Destroy You were disappointingly snubbed.
The LA Time report dropped one week before the ceremony, and caused a massive stir in Hollywood with viewing figures dipping to an all-time low.
Wholesale changes were made as the organisation was forced to change its practices.
Boehly was named interim CEO of the scandal hit Hollywood Foreign Press AssociationCredit: Reuters
21 new members were added, with 29 per cent being Black, 24 per cent Asian, 29 per cent are Latino and 19 per cent Middle Eastern or North African.
As an interim chief executive officer, Boehly was brought in to lead the HFPA in continuing to increase the diversity of its membership, as well as form measures that will change its practices moving forward. More