The owners of the Major League Baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, the Ricketts family, have confirmed that they are leading a group of investors that will make a bid for Chelsea on Friday.
The Ricketts have had a majority stake in the Cubs since 2009.
BBC Sport understands that the group’s offer also includes US hedge fund entrepreneur Ken Griffin.
Roman Abramovich’s attempt to sell the club was stopped after he was sanctioned by the UK government.
That move came in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Ambramovich was understood to have strong ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A statement from the Ricketts on Wednesday said they would share more details “in due course.”
“The Ricketts family, owners of the Chicago Cubs, can confirm that they will lead an investment group that will make a formal offer for Chelsea this Friday,” the statement read.
“As long-time operators of an iconic professional sports team, the Ricketts family and its partners understand the importance of investing to succeed on the field while respecting the traditions of the club, the fans and the community.”
The Ricketts previously inquired about buying the club in 2018, meaning they have already done their due diligence.
BBC Sport understands that the offer is credible, as the family had previously inquired about buying the club in 2018.
More to follow.
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