Jeff Bezos consortium buys nearly 40% of Liverpool, report

LIVERPOOL: A consortium involving Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has reportedly acquired close to 40 per cent of Premier League giants Liverpool, in a major investment that could reshape the club’s ownership structure and provide fresh financial backing.

According to The Athletic, the consortium known as 1892 Holdings purchased about 38 per cent of Liverpool from Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the American company that has owned the club since 2010.

The deal was initially reported as involving roughly one-third of the club, but the latest report puts the figure significantly higher, at around 38 per cent.

More intriguingly, the consortium reportedly has an option to pursue a controlling stake in Liverpool during the next 12 months. However, the option does not represent a formal commitment to complete such a purchase.

FSG confirmed last Friday that it had agreed a deal with 1892 Holdings. The consortium is led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia and includes Bezos as well as Eduardo Saverin, the Brazilian-American entrepreneur who co-founded Facebook.

Bezos, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, is estimated to have a fortune of around $256 billion. The Liverpool investment marks his first reported major investment in a professional sports team.

The Amazon founder has previously been linked with possible purchases of NFL franchises, including the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, but neither resulted in a completed deal.

Bhatia also has experience in English football. The businessman, who is the son-in-law of Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, previously served as co-owner of Queens Park Rangers for 18 years before stepping away after his involvement with the Liverpool investment became public.

FSG purchased Liverpool for around £300 million in 2010 and has since overseen a period that included Premier League and Champions League success. The group sold a minority stake of roughly three per cent to sports investment firm Dynasty Equity in 2023.

The latest investment comes at a crucial time for Liverpool. The club are preparing for the new Premier League campaign after finishing fifth last season, a disappointing result following their previous title-winning success.

The managerial situation has also changed, with Arne Slot departing just a year after guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season following Jurgen Klopp’s long tenure.

Andoni Iraola has now taken charge and could benefit from the additional investment as he looks to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes.

Liverpool have already spent about £94 million on Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, and the new ownership investment could give the club further flexibility in the transfer market.

With Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Newcastle approaching, the reported Bezos-backed investment adds another major storyline to the club’s new era—on and off the pitch.