It would not be the first time a celebrity has taken a stake in Liverpool. After LeBron James, another high-profile American figure could soon become linked with the Reds: Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and owner of the Washington Post, is reportedly considering an entry into the club’s ownership. Not directly, but through a consortium negotiating the purchase of a minority stake.
According to Sky News, Bezos has held talks with the group led by Amit Bhatia, son-in-law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal. A source close to the British broadcaster, however, stressed that discussions are still ongoing. Bezos, the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, has a fortune estimated by Forbes at around 257 billion dollars, placing him fourth among the world’s richest people. Bezos has previously explored the possibility of buying NFL franchises, including the Seattle Seahawks, winners of the most recent Super Bowl, and the Washington Commanders, although neither pursuit resulted in a deal. A move into Liverpool’s ownership would represent another sign of the growing American presence in English football. Around half of the Premier League’s 20 clubs are now controlled by predominantly American investors, while others — including Crystal Palace — could become available. Among the clubs with US ownership are Arsenal, champions of England and controlled by the Kroenke family, and Manchester United, still owned by the Glazer family alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group.
Talks between Bhatia’s consortium and Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s owners, had already been reported by the Financial Times. The deal would value the club at no less than six billion dollars: below the figures reached by some of the biggest US sports franchises in recent years, but broadly in line with the valuation attached to Manchester United when Ineos acquired its stake more than two years ago. In recent days, Bhatia sold control of his stake in Championship side Queens Park Rangers in order to clear the way for a possible investment in Liverpool. It remains unclear whether the acquisition of a “strategic minority stake”, as reported by Sky Sport, could be the first step towards a future takeover at Anfield. For years, there have been rumours that FSG could consider a full sale of Liverpool, although sources close to the situation have repeatedly played down that possibility. The group led by Bhatia could acquire up to 30 per cent of the club.
A Fenway Sports Group spokesperson confirmed that “a consortium of investors led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club”. The structure would resemble the agreement reached in 2023 between FSG and Dynasty Equity, a deal that valued Liverpool at more than 4.5 billion dollars. Controlled by John Henry, Fenway Sports Group has owned Liverpool since 2010, when the club was facing a financial crisis that threatened its future. The US group also owns MLB franchise the Boston Red Sox, as well as a wider collection of sporting investments. Asked about Jeff Bezos’ possible involvement, a spokesperson for Bhatia’s consortium declined to comment. Representatives of the Amazon founder were also contacted by several English outlets but have so far provided no response.