Jeff Bezos Joins Consortium Buying Minority Stake in Liverpool FC

Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owners of Liverpool Football Club, have sold approximately one-third of the club to a consortium of billionaires, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The deal values the English football club at approximately £1.65 billion.

Bezos, the third-richest man in the world, is indirectly involved in the investment and will not hold a seat on the club's board. The consortium is led by Amit Bhatia, former chairman of Queens Park Rangers, who will serve as the club's vice chairman. Other members of the consortium include technology pioneer Bryan Baum and Elaine Saverin, wife of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.

FSG, which also owns the Boston Red Sox baseball team, will retain majority ownership and control of the club's day-to-day operations. Mike Gordon, President of FSG, stated that the consortium shares the club's long-term philosophy and that their experience will complement the existing foundation. Bhatia expressed pride in investing in Liverpool and highlighted the consortium's respect for FSG's achievements.

Bezos, who stepped down as CEO of Amazon but remains executive chairman, previously explored sports investments, including bids for the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders. Eduardo Saverin, a co-founder of Facebook, now leads the venture capital firm B Capital.

Amit Bhatia, with an investment banking background, has experience in technology, media, property, real estate, and health sectors. His company, AyBe Capital, holds stakes in various sports ventures, including the cricket franchise London Spirit. Bhatia believes the consortium's global business reach will be beneficial for the club, particularly in expanding its presence in India and Asia.