Jeff Bezos has made first foray into sports ownership with Liverpool.
The billionaire Amazon founder has been linked with numerous U.S. franchises, most recently the Seattle Seahawks.
Bezos is the second-richest Premier League owner after Saudi-run NewcastleGetty
But he has decided to head for the Premier League instead as part of a consortium which talkSPORT understands bought around 30 percent of the Reds.
The Anfield club is owned by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which maintains operational control.
Bezos and Eduardo Saverin — one of the co-founders of Facebook — have been named as investors, along with Amit Bhatia, who is the son of steel mogul Lakshmi.
Bhatia will become the club’s new vice chairman and join the board alongside Bryan Baum — founder of venture capital firm K5 Sports which the group is investing through — and Saverin.
Bezos will not join the board.
Between them, the trio bring a staggering fortune, with the Amazon chief worth $280 billion and the others adding around $23 billion each.
The purchase reportedly values the Reds in the region of $5.5 billion and will not affect the club’s transfer budget or plans for the remainder of the window.
“Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season and making decisions with the club’s long-term interests in mind. That approach continues to attract interest from respected investors and business leaders around the world,” said FSG president Mike Gordon.
“As we considered this opportunity, it became clear that Amit and the consortium shared our long-term philosophy and appreciation for what makes Liverpool special.
“Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place, and we look forward to working together.”
The Amazon founder is not taking a seat on the boardGetty
John Henry has enjoyed success with LiverpoolGetty
Saverin was previously part of an unsuccessful bid to by Chelsea in 2022.
FSG purchased Liverpool in 2010 for just $404 million and have brought about a huge change in fortunes.
Dynasty Equity purchased a small stake in Liverpool in 2023, which valued the club at $4.5 billion.
FSG also owns the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Penguins, NASCAR‘s RFK Racing, and TGL’s Boston Common Golf.
Liverpool transfer chief quits
Michael Edwards stepped down as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football in July.
The transfer guru had been in the role since March 2024, having enjoyed a successful previous spell as sporting director between 2016 and 2022.
Andoni Iraola took over from Arne SlotGetty
talkSPORT understands his decision to quit came as a result of FSG’s failure to buy a second European club.
Gordon took over operations with preparations for the new Premier League season already well underway.
New manager Andoni Iraola had already added Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz to his squad before the exit.
Liverpool are also keen on Bradley Barcola, but face competition from Arsenal for the Paris Saint-Germain and France forward.
Ronald Araujo has arrived from Barcelona on a season-long loan.
Premier League News, Reaction, Opinion – talkSPORT
Jeff Bezos snubs US to complete $5.5bn ownership deal after shunning NFL and NBA franchises
