Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium closing in on a deal to acquire a minority stake in Liverpool FC, according to reports from Sky News. The investment group is led by Amit Bhatia, a British-Indian millionaire and former shareholder in the Championship club Queens Park Rangers. Bhatia is the son-in-law of Lakshmi Mittal, the billionaire executive of the steel production giant ArcelorMittal.
Consortium Nears Minority Stake in Liverpool
The consortium also includes Eduardo Saverin, the 44-year-old co-founder of Facebook. Saverin previously attempted an unsuccessful takeover bid for Chelsea FC during the 2022 auction process. The prospective deal would install three of the world’s wealthiest individuals as co-owners of the Premier League club. Bezos has a fortune estimated by Forbes at over £207bn ($280bn), while Saverin is reported to be worth over £23.7bn ($32bn). Other reports place Bezos’s wealth at approximately $257bn.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the American firm and owner of the Boston Red Sox that has controlled the club since 2010, is reportedly preparing an announcement regarding the transaction. While a spokesperson for FSG confirmed last month that the consortium led by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in a strategic minority investment,
the organization has declined to comment on the specific timing of the deal.
Club Valuation and FSG Gains
The investment is expected to value Liverpool at between £4.4bn ($6bn) and £4.5bn, marking one of the largest deals in the history of the sport. One insider indicated the stake could be slightly larger than initially estimated, potentially exceeding 30 per cent, though other reports describe it as a roughly one-third stake.
This valuation represents a significant increase from the £300m FSG paid to acquire the club 16 years ago when Liverpool was in a state of financial trouble. The most recent change in ownership occurred in 2023, when the investment firm Dynasty Equity purchased a small interest—reportedly less than four per cent for up to $200m—which valued the club at more than £3.3bn ($4.5bn).
FSG Tenure and Operational Changes
Under FSG’s ownership, Liverpool has secured the Champions League and two Premier League titles. The owners have also funded the construction of a new training ground and upgrades to the Anfield stadium. FSG’s current investor list includes Maverick Carter, LeBron James, and RedBird Capital Partners.
The move comes as FSG shifts its strategic direction. Earlier this year, the firm abandoned plans to build a multi-club empire similar to the models used by City Football Group or Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Additionally, Michael Edwards, FSG’s chief of football, resigned from the organization earlier this month.
Investor Backgrounds
The members of the consortium bring diverse sporting and business portfolios to the deal:
- Amit Bhatia: Former QPR board member who confirmed his departure from the club last month. The Mittal family also manages the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.
- Jeff Bezos: Owner of The Washington Post. While he has not previously been linked to football deals, he explored bids for NFL teams, including the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks, last year but did not proceed.
- Eduardo Saverin: Facebook co-founder with previous experience in high-profile sports takeover attempts.
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