Jeff Bezos is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire a stake in Liverpool Football Club, joining a consortium that includes Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. The investment group, led by Amit Bhatia, son-in-law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, is negotiating for more than the 30% stake initially reported, according to Sky News.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which has owned Liverpool since 2010, could announce an agreement within days. The transaction would value the Premier League champions at £4.4 billion (€5.15bn), one of the highest valuations ever placed on a football club. FSG originally bought Liverpool for just £300 million.
If completed, the deal would mark Bezos's first foray into sports ownership. The Amazon founder previously explored bids for two NFL teams, the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Commanders, but decided against pursuing either. Neither Liverpool nor FSG have commented on the reports.
American investors flock to UK sports
Bezos's potential move is part of a broader trend of US billionaires and investment groups acquiring stakes in UK sports teams, with football leading the way. Mark Walter, who co-owns Chelsea with Todd Boehly and majority shareholder Clearlake Capital, is among the prominent figures. Woody Johnson holds a stake in Crystal Palace, joining fellow Americans Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who already control the club. Bill Foley and actor Michael B. Jordan have stakes in Bournemouth, while the Friedkin Group, led by Dan Friedkin, owns a majority stake in Everton.
The surge in American interest is driven by several factors. Football's popularity in the US has soared, while traditional American leagues like MLB and the NFL are becoming either closed to new buyers or prohibitively expensive. In contrast, buying into a Premier League club remains relatively affordable for tech and finance billionaires. The success of TV shows like Welcome to Wrexham and Ted Lasso has also fueled the trend.
This shift extends beyond football. US investment groups are increasingly eyeing rugby, cricket, and motor racing. Black Knight Sports and Entertainment, which also owns Bournemouth, completed its takeover of Premiership rugby club Exeter Chiefs at the end of June. Pittsburgh-based Stonewood Capital Management became the first American owner of an English rugby club when it bought a stake in Cornish Pirates in May.
The influx of American capital has reshaped the landscape of UK sports, raising questions about the long-term implications for clubs and their fans. While some welcome the financial firepower, others worry about the influence of overseas owners on traditional institutions. As Bezos's potential involvement in Liverpool demonstrates, the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
