Bezos-Backed Group Buys Part of Liverpool FC
Liverpool Football Club has secured a major new investment after its owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), agreed to sell about a third of the club to a consortium backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
FSG confirmed the agreement with 1892 Holdings, on Friday.
The group described the deal as a “strategic minority investment” that will see the consortium acquire roughly 30 per cent of Liverpool.
The investment brings together several wealthy businessmen, with British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia leading the consortium. Billionaire Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin is also part of the group, while Bezos is investing through venture capital firm K5 Sports.
Bhatia, who is the son-in-law of Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, is expected to become Liverpool’s vice-chairman and join the club’s expanded board once regulatory approval is secured. He previously served as a director and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers for 18 years before giving up his stake in the Championship club last month.
Bezos, who founded Amazon, will not join Liverpool’s board despite his involvement in the investment. However, Bryan Baum, the founder of K5 Sports, through which Bezos is investing, will become a member of the Anfield board. Saverin’s wife, Elaine, will also join the board.
The agreement values Liverpool at between £5bn and £6bn and includes an option that could allow the consortium to increase its investment in the future.
However, FSG will remain the majority owner and retain operational control of the Premier League club.
FSG said the investment was aimed at supporting Liverpool’s long-term ambitions by bringing together expertise from different areas of global business, technology and investment.
“FSG continues to retain majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool,” the club’s owners said.
FSG president Mike Gordon said the group’s decision was based on finding investors who shared its long-term vision for Liverpool.
“Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season and making decisions with the club’s long-term interests in mind. That approach continues to attract interest from respected investors and business leaders around the world,” Gordon said.
He added, “As we considered this opportunity, it became clear that Amit and the consortium shared our long-term philosophy and appreciation for what makes Liverpool special.
“Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place, and we look forward to working together.”
Bhatia also welcomed the agreement, saying the consortium was confident about the future of the club.
“We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield,” he said.
“To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege. We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership, and we look forward to supporting the club’s continued success for years to come.”
The investment is not expected to change Liverpool’s transfer plans. There will be no additional or separate transfer budget resulting from the deal, according to information made available.
FSG bought Liverpool in 2010 for about £300m from American businessmen Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Since then, the ownership group has overseen significant investment in the club, including improvements to the training facilities and redevelopment of Anfield.
Liverpool have also enjoyed major success on the pitch during FSG’s ownership, ending a 30-year wait for a league title in the 2019-20 season, winning another Premier League title in 2024-25 and securing the club’s sixth Champions League trophy in 2019.
