Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is reportedly considering an investment in Liverpool Football Club as part of a consortium, a move that would align with a broader trend of U.S. capital flowing into the English Premier League. Bezos, who stepped down as Amazon CEO five years ago but remains a significant shareholder, also owns The Washington Post and aerospace company Blue Origin, among other ventures.
This potential investment comes at a time when U.S. ownership is prevalent in the Premier League, with 11 out of 20 clubs currently majority-controlled by American entities. Liverpool itself is owned by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), an American firm that acquired the club when it was facing financial difficulties. The club has a significant and growing fanbase in the United States, with research indicating 26 million supporters there, and conducted its pre-season tour in the U.S.
Bezos has previously been linked to sports franchise investments in the U.S., reportedly showing interest in the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Commanders, whose sales figures were in the billions of dollars. A stake in Liverpool, a globally recognized sports brand, would represent a fraction of his substantial wealth. He recently filed to sell approximately £3.1 billion of Amazon shares.
Other notable figures are reportedly part of the consortium, including Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia. Bhatia recently relinquished his ownership stake in Championship club Queens Park Rangers, a move that appeared to align with Football Association regulations prohibiting substantial interest in more than one club.
While the investment could offer financial backing, its direct impact on Liverpool's immediate spending power is not expected to be drastic. Experts suggest that FSG is not entertaining a full sale of the club. However, should the initial investment prove successful and the associated prestige appeal to Bezos and his partners, a future full acquisition could become a possibility if the price is deemed appropriate.