Liverpool FC accepts £5bn minority stake from Bezos-backed consortium
The transaction values the Anfield side between £5 billion and £6 billion, with FSG citing long-term growth ambitions over financial necessity.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a strategic minority stake of approximately one-third of Liverpool Football Club to 1892 Holdings. The consortium, valued at between £5 billion and £6 billion, is led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia and includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.
Under the terms of the deal, Bhatia is set to become vice-chairman and join an expanded board pending regulatory approval. Bezos, investing through his venture capital firm K5 Sports, will not take a seat on the board; however, Bryan Baum, founder of K5 Sports, will join alongside Elaine Saverin, wife of Eduardo Saverin. FSG retains majority ownership and operational control of the club.
The transaction marks Bezos’s first confirmed foray into sports ownership. While he has been linked to potential investments in American franchises such as the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, this deal provides a stake in one of the world’s most iconic global sports brands. Bezos recently filed to sell 15 million Amazon shares valued at approximately £3.1 billion, underscoring the scale of his financial resources.
FSG, which acquired Liverpool in 2010 for £300 million, estimates its total outlay to be around £518 million when including intra-group loans. The sale of a 30% stake is expected to yield in excess of £1.5 billion for the group. Mike Gordon, FSG president, stated that the consortium’s expertise in global business, technology, and investment, particularly in India and Asia, complements the club’s long-term philosophy.
Liverpool reported record revenues of £703 million for the 2024-25 financial year, becoming the top-earning Premier League club in January. BBC Sport has been told that the investment does not address financial need and will not impact the club’s approach to the transfer window, with no new or separate transfer budget associated with the deal.
The announcement has drawn scrutiny from fan groups. Spirit of Shankly has questioned what the consortium receives in return for their stake, raising concerns about whether the investment serves the club’s best interests. Additionally, some supporters have expressed unease regarding Amazon’s historical treatment of workers, citing past industrial disputes and union tensions.
