Jeff Bezos consortium hold option to purchase controlling stake in Liverpool per terms of deal

The consortium including U.S. billionaire Jeff Bezos that has purchased a minority shareholding of Liverpool will hold the option of buying a controlling stake in the club per the terms of the agreement with current owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

FSG on Friday confirmed a deal to sell a stake in the Premier League club in the range of approximately 30 per cent to one-third, signalling Bezos’ first move into sports franchise ownership.

The Amazon founder’s investment in 1892 Holdings, a consortium headed up and managed by Amit Bhatia, comes via the K5 Sports fund.

And sources on both sides of the deal, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, have confirmed there is a mechanism that could see the consortium purchase a controlling stake in the club in the next 12 months.

Those sources stress, however, that the language around this element of the transaction does not constitute a commitment, so it is merely an option that could lead to further investment as opposed to something that is set in stone.

Bhatia, who previously co-owned Queens Park Rangers, is also joined in 1892 Holdings by the family office of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and his wife Elaine, as well as the Mittal Family Trusts.

The former QPR director will take up the position of vice chairman at Liverpool and will be joined on the club’s board by Elaine Saverin and Bryan Baum from K5 Sports. Bezos is not going to have a seat on the board.

Former QPR director Bhatia will take up the position of vice chairman at Liverpool. (Warren Little / Getty Images)

As part of the deal, FSG will continue to be majority shareholders in Liverpool and are retaining operational control of the club, with sources telling The Athletic on Friday that there will be no change to the leadership or day-to-day running of the Merseyside club.

“The strategic investment supports Liverpool FC’s long-term growth ambitions by bringing together experts from across global business, technology and investment,” FSG’s statement, released on Friday, read.

“The consortium partners will work with FSG and the club’s leadership team to evaluate opportunities that enhance the club’s objectives on and off the pitch. FSG continues to retain majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool FC.”

In the same statement, Bhatia, speaking on behalf of 1892 Holdings, said: “We are incredibly proud to be investing in Liverpool Football Club and to be doing so alongside FSG. We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield.

“To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege. We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership, and we look forward to supporting the club’s continued success for years to come.”