Jeff Bezos-backed consortium agrees £1.5bn deal for minority stake in Liverpool

A consortium that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has reached a definitive agreement to buy a minority stake in Liverpool, with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) retaining majority ownership and operational control of the Premier League club.

A source familiar with the transaction said the stake would be about one-third of the club. British media reports have valued the agreement at more than £1.5bn, putting Liverpool’s total valuation above £5bn.

FSG bought Liverpool in 2010 for £300m and will continue to oversee the club after the investment. The deal represents a significant change in the club’s ownership structure but will not result in the consortium taking control of Liverpool’s day-to-day operations.

The investment group, named 1892 Holdings, is led by Amit Bhatia, the former chairperson of Queens Park Rangers. It also includes the Mittal Family Trusts, EE Capital and the K5 Sports fund, in which Bezos is the lead investor.

Bezos, who founded Amazon, will not take a position on Liverpool’s board, according to the source familiar with the agreement.

FSG president Mike Gordon said the consortium’s approach to the club had helped convince the existing owners to proceed with the deal.

“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,” FSG president Mike Gordon said in a statement.

“Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place, and we look forward to working together.”

Bhatia will become Liverpool’s new vice chairperson and will join the club’s expanded board. Elaine Saverin, representing EE Capital, and Bryan Baum, from K5 Sports, will also be appointed to the board.

The new vice chairperson said the consortium had made the investment because of its confidence in Liverpool’s future and its existing leadership.

“To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege,” Bhatia said.

“We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership, and we look forward to supporting the club’s continued success for years to come.”

Liverpool are English champions a joint-record 20 times. They finished fifth in the Premier League last season and will begin the new campaign away at Newcastle United on 23 August.

The agreement gives 1892 Holdings a substantial minority position while leaving FSG as the controlling shareholder. The American sports investment group has owned Liverpool since 2010, when it completed its purchase of the club for £300m.

FSG’s continued majority ownership means the consortium will become a partner in the club rather than replace the existing ownership group. Its representatives will now have a formal role in Liverpool’s governance through the expanded board.