SerpApi.Org
Amazon founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos has never held ownership of a professional sports franchise despite more than three decades operating at the pinnacle of business, and his latest chance to alter that reality could come with one of football's most iconic clubs worldwide.
Bezos has reportedly been contacted to participate in a prospective ownership consortium headed by businessman Amit Bhatia that is engaged in early-stage discussions to purchase a minority share in Liverpool FC from Fenway Sports Group.
Discussions remain preliminary, according to Sky News, and there's no certainty Bezos will choose to participate. Liverpool boasts an enormous global fanbase, with 20 English league championships, six European titles, and over 500 million supporters globally as of 2023. It comes as Donald Trump plans to thrust FIFA boss Gianni Infantino into massive political role
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Reports indicate Bhatia's consortium could acquire up to a 30 percent minority share in Liverpool. The club is estimated at more than $6 billion in these negotiations, positioning it as England's second most valuable after Manchester United, reports Liverpool.com.
An FSG representative confirmed Bhatia's consortium has expressed interest but the owners aren't seeking to sell the club completely. Rather, the arrangement would mirror FSG's 2023 sale of a minority portion to Dynasty Equity, not a complete takeover.
Bhatia signaled his commitment by relinquishing his 18-year ownership position and board membership at Queens Park Rangers. He transferred control to Ruben Gnanalingam, paving the way for a potential Liverpool investment.
Bezos currently ranks as the fourth-richest person globally, trailing Elon Musk, Larry Page, and Sergey Brin. While he's been rumored to be interested in several NFL and NBA franchises over the years, he's never actually owned a major sports team.
The Amazon founder was reportedly eyeing the Washington Commanders in 2023 before Josh Harris' consortium purchased the franchise for $6.05 billion.
Bezos has also been linked to the Seattle Seahawks, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Chargers, but has never pulled the trigger on a deal. Amazon already has a significant presence in sports through its exclusive Thursday Night Football broadcasts on Prime Video.
Acquiring a minority share in Liverpool would give Bezos access to one of the world's most iconic football clubs without the responsibility of running it or being its main figurehead.
FSG's existing ownership model includes several investors alongside John W. Henry and Tom Werner's controlling investment.
FSG President Michael Gordon has maintained his position since 2014.
RedBird Capital controls a substantial 11 percent stake in the parent company, Dynasty Equity possesses a direct Liverpool minority interest, and smaller partners including NBA icon LeBron James round out FSG's wider investment portfolio.
