Jeff Bezos investment in Liverpool intensifies US ownership battle in Premier League

Liverpool’s agreement to sell a minority stake to a consortium featuring Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has raised the stakes in the growing contest between American owners for influence and success in the Premier League.

The deal comes only four months after Arsenal, owned by US billionaire Stan Kroenke, won the Premier League. Liverpool’s owners are now seeking fresh investment as they attempt to reclaim the title and secure a record 21st English championship.

The consortium will acquire about a third of Liverpool, providing the club with additional financial resources for its challenge to Arsenal. Manchester United, whose majority ownership remains with the Glazer family, and Chelsea, led by American businessman Todd Boehly’s ownership group, are also part of the battle for Premier League status and silverware.

Aston Villa, winners of last season’s Europa League, are among a further six Premier League clubs in which American investors hold ownership interests.

The influx of US money has driven up the value of England’s leading clubs, producing major gains for owners who bought into the competition years ago. Boston-based Fenway Sports Group paid £300 million (R6.56 billion) for Liverpool in 2010.

Following Friday’s agreement, Liverpool are reportedly valued at between £5 billion (R109.4 billion) and £6 billion (R131.28 billion). The club last won the Premier League in 2025.

Bezos, whose estimated wealth is $256 billion, is the world’s fourth-richest person. Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, reportedly worth $32 billion, is also involved in the consortium. Its frontman, Amit Bhatia, is the son-in-law of Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal.

Bezos’s presence is likely to fuel questions over whether the investment could eventually lead to a change in control at Anfield. The 62-year-old was reportedly interested in buying two NFL teams: the Seattle Seahawks, who recently sold for £7.3 billion (R159.72 billion), and the Washington Commanders, who changed hands for £4.6 billion (R100.65 billion) in 2023.

Although he is expected to act as a ‘silent partner’, the Liverpool deal gives Bezos a possible route towards a future takeover.

That prospect raises questions over whether John W. Henry and his fellow FSG owners will continue with their stated intention to retain “majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool”. They could, in time, be tempted to sell their remaining interest if the consortium’s investment produces a substantial profit.

Liverpool are rebuilding under new manager Andoni Iraola after Arne Slot was dismissed following a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Premier League last season. Even so, the club remains one of the world’s best-known sports brands, with its value increasing each year.

According to sports finance experts Deloitte, Liverpool became the Premier League’s highest-earning club for the first time this year. The Reds reported record revenue of £703 million (R15.38 billion) for the 2024–25 financial year.

The consortium’s arrival has nevertheless been met with caution by supporters on Merseyside. Fans have questioned the investors’ reasons for taking a stake in the six-time European champions.

Supporters’ organisation Spirit of Shankly has called on Liverpool to explain the agreement. It warned that earlier changes to the club’s management had resulted in “decisions and behaviours that many would not want to see at Liverpool”.

Dan Plumley, a senior lecturer in sport finance at Loughborough University in the UK, said FSG did not appear ready to give up full control immediately.

“If Liverpool remain competitive in the Premier League and Europe, then their revenue and valuation have the potential to grow further hence probably why FSG don’t want to sell up fully just yet,” he told AFP.

Plumley said supporters would still want to understand what the new investors expected to gain.

“The question the other way from fans is ‘what do these investors want out of my club’? There is normally some sort of return on investment for them, particularly with the way US investors operate,” he said.

“Of course, they could just be interested in owning a trophy asset, too. In contrast, it may also be tough for them to break into the American sport market in terms of owning franchises.

“Therefore, investing in or owning an English football club provides a cheaper entry point with potential for a higher growth ceiling and more international reach.”