A wave of wealthy Americans are turning to a new way of expanding their wealth and influence beyond buying up start-ups and multimillion-dollar mansions: European soccer clubs. Now, billionaire Jeff Bezos may be joining the cohort of rich investors looking to live out their sports-owner fantasies.
The Amazon founder is in talks to join the consortium looking to buy around 30% of Liverpool FC. The group, led by British-Indian investor Amit Bhatia, has made a provisional offer of £1.35 billion (nearly $1.8 billion) to buy a minority stake from Fenway Sports Groups (FSG)—valuing the Premier League club at around £4.5 billion (around $6 billion).
Bhatia, who also formerly co-owned the English Championship team Queens Park Rangers for 18 years, is also looking to other potential investors in ramping up funding. And Bezos—the fourth richest person in the world, with $267 billion to his name—could throw his hat in the ring.
According to multiple outlets, sources who are clued in on the talks suggested that the Amazon entrepreneur would receive equity in Liverpool if a deal is struck with Bhatia’s group.
It wouldn’t be the first time Bezos has eyed up investments in sports. The 62-year-old has also looked into snapping up NFL teams, including the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, but never went through with an offer. This is the first time Bezos has been reported to be in talks to buy a stake in a European soccer club.
