Fenway Sports Group sell 38% stake in Liverpool to Bezos-backed group
Fenway Sports Group has sold a 38% stake in Liverpool to the 1892 Holdings consortium, with the Jeff Bezos-backed group securing an option for a full takeover within 12 months.
Initial reports on Friday suggested the investment covered approximately one-third of the Premier League club.
However, official confirmation revealed the true figure was closer to 40%, causing internal confusion regarding the scale of the agreement.
The Boston-based conglomerate rarely discloses precise ownership stakes publicly but felt compelled to clarify the financial territory following widespread media speculation.
Takeover option within 12 months
The 1892 Holdings group is spearheaded by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia and includes Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.
While the Amazon founder will not personally join the Anfield boardroom, his venture capital partner Bryan Baum will take a seat alongside Elaine Saverin.
Bhatia is also set to become the Merseyside outfit’s new vice-chairman as part of the sweeping structural reshuffle.
Crucially, the agreement contains a specific clause allowing the newly formed consortium to purchase a controlling majority stake over the next year.
Questions over future ownership
This potential path to a full takeover has prompted serious questions about the long-term vision of Liverpool’s current American custodians.
FSG has faced private criticism from within the organisation for a perceived lack of transparency during the initial announcement.
The current ownership insisted there was no intention to mislead supporters, stating they merely aimed to provide more context than usual.
The American group has controlled the six-time European champions since 2010, overseeing a highly successful era that delivered both domestic and continental glory.
Jay McKenna, chair of the Spirit of Shankly supporters union, confirmed fans are now seeking urgent clarity regarding the club’s trajectory.
“One of the questions we will be asking is that we have been led to understand this change of ownership is guaranteed,” McKenna told the Liverpool Echo.
“We want to understand that.”