Crawley taken over by KB Sports and Lesiure

Crawley Town's new owner Raphael Khalili (left) heads KB Sports and Leisure

Crawley Town have been taken over by KB Sports and Leisure, 11 days after the club's co-owner resigned in protest at their summer recruitment.

The club announced that the company, headed by Raphael Khalili, has completed a majority buyout of the League Two club from former owners WAGMI United LLC.

Khalili will be joined on the new board by Daniel Khalili, Ryan Gilbert and Maxwell Strongman which they say is "a group with extensive experience in commercial strategy, professional sports, financial services and governance".

KB Sports take over the running of the club from US cryptocurrency investors WAGMI, who bought the Red Devils in 2022.

Preston Johnson, who resigned as co-owner and chief executive officer (CEO) earlier this month, has been replaced as CEO by Tom Allman, previously the club's general manager.

Crawley was promoted to League One in 2023-24 but relegated back to League Two last season, despite promotion-winning manager Scott Lindsey re-joining them.

WAGMI co-founder Johnson resigned as co-chairman in May 2024 and last month announced he was also quitting as chief executive and co-owner with a takeover looming.

He claimed the new owners have "a different vision of the future" and criticised their player recruitment strategy, veering away from the "data-driven approach that has powered our success".

Crawley responded with a statement thanking Johnson for his service but added that "data will continue to play a key role in our decision making, alongside other critical considerations".

The club has made eight signings already this summer, including former Chelsea midfielder Kyle Scott.

'New owners understand what Crawley can become'

KB Sports lists its interests as real estate, sport and leisure and have laid out their own vision for the club, saying there will be "a focus on sustainable growth, fan engagement, and competitive ambition".

In a statement on the club website, Raphael Khalili said: "This club has an incredibly loyal fanbase and a rich identity, and we're committed to building something truly special, something sustainable, ambitious and rooted in the community.

"Our vision is to create a modern football club that balances on-pitch success with long-term stability.

"We will invest in infrastructure, prioritise data and innovation, and ensure Crawley Town is a club that reflects the values and energy of its supporters."

Khalili, who was an shareholder in the club under the previous ownership, said work has already begun on upgrading Broadfield Stadium, improving the training facilities and "development of a long-term operational strategy built around performance, sustainability, and innovation".

The new owner claimed to have a hand in the re-appointment of Lindsey in March 2025.

Lindsey said: "There's a real sense of excitement and direction around the club right now.

"Raphael and the new board clearly understand what Crawley Town represents, and more importantly, what it can become. Raphael has a strong grasp of both football and people, and in my 30-plus years in the game, I can confidently say the club couldn't be in better hands.

"Their backing, ambition, and clear vision will give us everything we need to keep progressing, on and off the pitch."

Crawley begin the new League Two season away to Grimsby Town on Saturday, 2 August.