Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has agreed to sell a minority stake in Liverpool FC to 1892 Holdings, a consortium led by investor Amit Bhatia and backed by Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos, the Mittal Family Trusts, EE Capital, and K5 Sports. The deal values the Premier League club at approximately £5.5 billion, according to reports, while FSG retains majority ownership and operational control.
The transaction, which remains subject to regulatory approval, is designed to support Liverpool's long-term growth by bringing together investors from technology, finance, and global business without altering the club's day-to-day management. FSG said the agreement reflects its long-term approach to ownership and its belief that the consortium shares the club's vision for sustainable growth.
FSG retains control as new investors join Liverpool
FSG President Mike Gordon emphasized the club's long-term perspective: "Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season and making decisions with the club's long-term interests in mind." He added that the ownership group concluded Bhatia and his partners shared "our long-term philosophy and appreciation for what makes Liverpool special," with their experience complementing the club's existing foundation.
Reuters, citing a source familiar with the matter, reported the consortium is acquiring roughly a one-third stake in Liverpool in a deal worth more than £1.5 billion. The Guardian reported the investment values the club at approximately £5.5 billion. FSG acquired Liverpool in 2010 for £300 million after the troubled ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
The group said the latest transaction is not part of an exit strategy and does not obligate either side to increase or reduce their ownership in the future, although the consortium has options to acquire a larger stake if FSG eventually decides to sell.
Bezos-backed consortium expands Liverpool board
The investor group operates under the name 1892 Holdings, referencing Liverpool's founding year, and is led by former Queens Park Rangers chairman Amit Bhatia. Under the agreement, Bhatia will become Liverpool's vice chairman and join an expanded board alongside Elaine Saverin of EE Capital and Bryan Baum of K5 Sports. Jeff Bezos, despite being the lead investor in K5 Sports, will not hold a seat on Liverpool's board.
"We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership," Bhatia said, adding that becoming a partner in a club of Liverpool's stature is "a huge privilege." The consortium also includes backing from the Mittal Family Trusts and EE Capital, the family office of Elaine and Eduardo Saverin.
Investment targets long-term commercial growth
FSG said the investment is intended to strengthen Liverpool's long-term commercial opportunities rather than fund immediate changes to football operations. According to the club, the transaction will have no impact on Liverpool's transfer budget, recruitment strategy, or day-to-day leadership. Regulatory approval could take up to 90 days.
The ownership group believes the consortium's business expertise and global connections could help expand Liverpool's commercial presence, particularly in India and across Asia. The investment comes as Liverpool continues to grow financially. The club reported record annual revenue of £703 million for the year ending May 2025, with Premier League and UEFA financial regulations linking future spending capacity to revenue growth.
This move mirrors broader trends in sports ownership, where clubs are increasingly attracting outside capital to fuel growth. For context, FIFA's $20B World Cup stake sale plan has sparked similar debates about external investment in football. Meanwhile, Bezos's recent $4.3B plan highlights his growing footprint in sports and media. The deal also comes amid renewed investor interest in high-profile assets, as seen with Pershing Square's recent stake in Netflix.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
