Jeff Bezos and Consortium Acquire Minority Stake in Liverpool

A consortium, including U.S. billionaire Jeff Bezos, has acquired a minority stake in Liverpool Football Club. This acquisition includes an option to purchase a controlling interest in the club. The current owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), confirmed on Friday that the deal involves selling approximately 30 to 33 percent of the club. This marks Bezos’ first venture into owning a sports franchise.

The investment comes through the K5 Sports fund, led and managed by Amit Bhatia, under the 1892 Holdings consortium. Sources involved in the deal, who spoke confidentially, stated there’s a mechanism within the next 12 months for the consortium to acquire a controlling stake, though this remains an option, not a commitment.

1892 Holdings also includes investments from the family office of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and his wife Elaine, along with the Mittal Family Trusts. Amit Bhatia, formerly associated with Queens Park Rangers, will serve as vice chairman of Liverpool. The club’s board will welcome Elaine Saverin and Bryan Baum from K5 Sports. However, Bezos will not join the board.

Despite the investment, FSG retains majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool. They stated that the partnership aims to support the club’s long-term growth, combining expertise in global business, technology, and investment. FSG remains committed to leading the Merseyside club’s operations without changes in leadership or daily management.

A statement from FSG highlighted the strategic investment’s role in advancing Liverpool’s objectives both on and off the field. Speaking for 1892 Holdings, Bhatia expressed pride in investing in Liverpool alongside FSG, praising their achievements and expressing optimism for the club’s future success.