Bezos-backed consortium agrees to buy minority stake in Liverpool FC, valuing club at up to £6 billion

Deal structure and valuation

Fenway Sports Group announced on Friday a definitive agreement to sell a minority stake in Liverpool FC to a consortium named 1892 Holdings. A source familiar with the matter said the stake is about one-third of the club, with some reports specifying 30 to 33 percent. British media reported the deal exceeds £1.5 billion, placing Liverpool's valuation between £5 billion and £6 billion. FSG, which bought Liverpool in 2010 for £300 million, will retain the majority share and operational control. Corestone Capital Advisors introduced the parties and facilitated the engagement, according to Variety.

The consortium's composition

The consortium is led by Amit Bhatia, former chairman of Queens Park Rangers, who served as QPR co-owner for 18 years before stepping away once his Liverpool link became public. Bhatia is the son-in-law of Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, and the Mittal Family Trusts are part of the investment group. The consortium also includes EE Capital and the K5 Sports fund, where Jeff Bezos is the lead investor. Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin is also involved, and his wife Elaine Saverin of EE Capital will join the expanded board. Bryan Baum, founder of K5 Sports, is also set to become a board member. Bezos will not have a seat on the board.

Statements from FSG and the consortium

FSG president Mike Gordon said in a statement that Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season and making decisions with the club's long-term interests in mind. He said that approach continues to attract interest from respected investors and business leaders.

As we considered this opportunity, it became clear that Amit and the consortium shared our long-term philosophy and appreciation for what makes Liverpool special. Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place, and we look forward to working together.

Bhatia said being welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege and that the consortium believes deeply in Liverpool and its leadership. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire told BBC Sport the deal is a great one for FSG, generating over £1 billion while still retaining control.

Fan reaction and assurances

The fan group Spirit of Shankly expressed skepticism about the deal. A spokesperson told BBC Sport that fans would like to know what the consortium receives in exchange for 30 percent of the club. Gareth Roberts added that Amazon's treatment of unions and workers is not particularly acceptable. The club assured supporters that the investment will not change its approach to the transfer window and does not create a new, separate budget for player acquisitions.

Bezos and the broader sports-investment landscape

This marks the first time Bezos has invested in a sports team, after previously being linked with purchasing the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders. Depending on the source, Bezos ranks as either the third or fourth wealthiest person in the world, with an estimated net worth between $256 billion and $272 billion. The Liverpool deal comes in the same week that former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Josh Kushner announced a $12.5 billion deal to buy the Los Angeles Lakers. Liverpool, 20-time English champions, finished fifth in the Premier League last season and will begin the new campaign at Newcastle United on August 23.