A record valuation for a Premier League club
Liverpool's owners have agreed to sell roughly a third of the club to a consortium that includes billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The BBC reported Monday that the deal values the Premier League club at more than 5 billion pounds, one of the highest valuations ever attached to a European football team. The agreement was signed after months of talks, according to people close to the negotiations.
The consortium, which includes several U.S. investors, will take a minority stake. Fenway Sports Group, which has controlled Liverpool since 2010, keeps majority ownership and day-to-day control of football operations.
What the buyers get
The deal gives the consortium a seat in commercial decision-making and a share of future revenues. People familiar with the talks said the group was drawn by the club's global fan base and the growth of broadcast and sponsorship income.
Liverpool declined to comment on reports linking the investment to plans for expanding Anfield and modernizing the club's training facilities. The club has spent heavily on player recruitment in recent windows, and the new money could fund further moves in the transfer market.
American money reshapes the Premier League
The transaction continues a wave of American investment in English football. U.S. owners already control more than half of the 20 Premier League clubs, and recent deals have pushed valuations steadily higher. The Premier League is expected to review the Liverpool sale under its owners' and directors' test, which examines the suitability of new investors.
Fan groups reacted with caution, asking for assurances that the club's debt levels will not rise. The deal is expected to close later this year, subject to league approval and regulatory clearances. Analysts said the price tag could set a benchmark for future sales of top European clubs.