Jeff Bezos-backed consortium buys third of Liverpool in £5bn deal
Fenway Sports Group has agreed to sell approximately a third of Liverpool to a consortium backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in a deal valuing the Premier League club at over £5bn.
The investment group, operating under the name 1892 Holdings, is spearheaded by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia.
Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin is also part of the lucrative partnership taking a strategic minority stake at Anfield.
Bhatia will step into the role of vice-chairman and join an expanded boardroom, pending standard regulatory approvals.
Bhatia returns to football ownership
The millionaire investor recently ended an 18-year association with Queens Park Rangers, relinquishing his co-ownership of the Championship side last month.
Bezos, currently ranked as the fourth-richest individual globally with an estimated net worth of £192bn, is making his maiden venture into sports ownership.
The American e-commerce magnate will not personally sit on the Merseyside club’s board.
Instead, Bryan Baum, founder of the K5 Sports venture capital firm facilitating the investment, will take up a directorial position alongside Saverin’s wife, Elaine.
No immediate transfer budget boost
Despite the injection of vast wealth, the transaction is not expected to alter the Reds’ immediate approach to the upcoming transfer window.
BBC Sport understands there is no separate transfer budget associated with this high-profile financial restructuring.
FSG stated that the strategic move supports long-term growth ambitions by uniting experts from global business and technology.
The American ownership group, which originally purchased the six-time European champions for £300m in 2010, firmly retains majority control and operational oversight.
FSG focus on long-term stability
Mike Gordon, FSG president, highlighted that the club hierarchy has always prioritised decisions with future stability in mind.
“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,” Gordon said.
“Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place, and we look forward to working together.”
Bhatia echoed this sentiment, expressing immense pride in joining the storied English institution.
“To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege,” Bhatia stated.
“We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership.”