Jeff Bezos in Line to Acquire Minority Stake in Liverpool FC

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly close to acquiring a minority stake in Liverpool Football Club as part of a consortium looking to invest approximately $1.35 billion. The deal, if finalized, would see the group purchase about 30% of the Premier League club from its current owner, Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

Sources indicate the transaction could be approved within the next week. The consortium is reportedly led by Amit Bhatia, a British-Indian businessman who previously co-owned the Queens Park Rangers football club. Bezos, the world's third-richest man according to Forbes, is a prominent figure in the investment group, which also includes Eduardo Saverin, a co-founder of Facebook.

Bhatia, with an investment banking background in technology, media, property, real estate, and health, has previously founded a construction company and received a young entrepreneur award. His father-in-law is steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal. Bhatia previously spent 19 years with Queens Park Rangers and his company, AyBe Capital, holds stakes in sports franchises.

Bezos, estimated to be worth $207.4 billion, has explored sports investments before, including bids for the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders NFL teams, but ultimately withdrew from those pursuits. Saverin, who co-founded Facebook with Mark Zuckerberg, is now managing partner at the venture capital firm B Capital.

While the influx of capital is significant, fans have been cautioned that the funds will be directed to FSG rather than directly to the club's operations. The Premier League's financial regulations, such as the 'squad cost ratio,' limit how much clubs can spend based on revenue and player sales.

However, the investment could enable the club to secure interest-free loans in the future, potentially improving cash flow. The involvement of figures like Bezos and Saverin is also expected to bolster commercial opportunities. Despite fan concerns that this move signals FSG's potential exit, sources within FSG maintain it is a strategy to further position the club for success. FSG, based in Boston, will continue to manage the club's day-to-day operations, with Mike Gordon reportedly taking a more active role following Michael Edwards' departure.

FSG and representatives for Bezos have been approached for comment.