Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group Holdings (FSG), have agreed to sell more than 30 per cent of the club to an investor consortium backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, bringing some of the world’s wealthiest individuals into the ownership structure of one of English football’s most successful clubs.
The deal will see Bezos participate in an investor group led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal and until recently a shareholder in Championship club Queens Park Rangers.
The investment gives the consortium a significant stake in Liverpool, while FSG will retain majority ownership and operational control of the club.
Bezos, whose fortune is estimated by Forbes at more than £207 billion ($280 billion), will make his first foray into sports ownership through the investment. However, he will not join Liverpool’s board, with Bhatia set to serve as vice-chairman.
The deal values Liverpool at around £6 billion ($6-7 billion), making it one of the richest transactions in sports ownership.
FSG said the agreement supports Liverpool’s long-term growth ambitions by bringing together experts from global business, technology and investment.
“The consortium partners will work with FSG and the club’s leadership team to evaluate opportunities that enhance the club’s objectives on and off the pitch,” FSG said.
The company added that FSG would continue to retain majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool.
The transaction therefore represents a major change in Liverpool’s ownership structure without transferring control of the club away from FSG.
For Liverpool, the investment could open new opportunities in global business, technology, commercial partnerships and long-term growth, while FSG remains responsible for the club’s overall direction and operations.
