Bezos invests in Liverpool through a consortium led by Bhatia

The Boston-based Fenway Sports Group (FSG), owners of Liverpool, has sold around 38% of the club to a consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, according to a statement released by BBC Sport Football. This deal comes as media reports suggested a stake of around a third, or between 30% and 33%, an estimate the BBC described as “directionally accurate.” FSG, which typically does not disclose exact ownership stakes, sought to clarify the figures to avoid confusion following the publication of conflicting reports.

 

A consortium with multiple ambitions

The group 1892 Holdings, which also includes billionaire entrepreneur Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook, and backed by American Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and the world’s fourth-richest person with an estimated fortune of $256 billion (£192 billion), is making its entry into football. Contrary to initial rumors, Bezos will not join Liverpool’s board of directors. However, Bryan Baum, his business partner and founder of the investment firm K5 Sports, along with Elaine Saverin, wife of Eduardo, will join the Anfield board. Amit Bhatia, meanwhile, will take on the role of club vice-president. The agreement also includes an option allowing the consortium to increase its stake in the coming months. Four days after the announcement, the BBC learned that the partnership includes a specific clause permitting 1892 Holdings to acquire a majority stake within the next twelve months. This raises questions about FSG’s long-term strategy for Liverpool.

Transparency and fan concerns

This operation, presented as a minority investment, has nonetheless caused unrest within the club. Some supporters, gathered around the Spirit of Shankly union, are questioning the exact nature of the deal. Jay McKenna, president of the association, told the Liverpool Echo: “One of the questions we will ask is whether this change of ownership is guaranteed. We want to understand this and put it to FSG as well as the new owners. If we learn that the investors do not have the right to [buy the entire club] or that it is merely an option, and that the club is sold next summer, we will demand explanations for the lack of transparency.” FSG has denied any intention to deceive, stating that its indications were meant to address media speculation. The group stressed that it aims to provide more context than usual while maintaining operational control of the club. This deal values Liverpool at between £5 and £6 billion, more than fifteen times its value when FSG bought it for £300 million in 2010.

An internationally focused strategy

According to information gathered by the BBC, the main motivation behind this partnership lies in expanding Liverpool’s global reach, particularly in India and Asia, rather than a purely financial logic. Billy Hogan, the club’s current CEO, notes that FSG saved Liverpool from bankruptcy in 2010. Sixteen years later, the club’s financial health is markedly different, with revenues exceeding £1 billion. “This is an excellent deal for FSG, which generates over £1 billion while retaining control,” says Kieran Maguire, a football finance expert. “It represents the best of both worlds.” While the effects of this investment should become apparent in the coming months, the period ahead also promises to be filled with uncertainty. Supporters are questioning the club’s future, particularly after next summer, when speculation about a potential change of ownership could intensify.