A consortium backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has two pathways to expand its ownership and potentially seize full control of Liverpool from Fenway Sports Group (FSG). Bezos, who is recognized as the world's second richest individual with an estimated net worth of around $384 billion, is involved via his K5 Global sports fund, the primary investor in 1892 Holdings.
1892 Holdings initially acquired a 38 per cent stake in the Anfield outfit in August through an investment valued at more than £2 billion. The group is spearheaded by Amit Bhatia, who spent 19 years as an owner and director at Queens Park Rangers. According to reporting from The Athletic, 1892 Holdings will be permitted to increase its shareholding once its status as part-owner is officially ratified by the Independent Football Regulator (IFR). Under the existing terms, the group can lift its stake to approximately 69 per cent or execute a complete 100 per cent buyout, a maneuver that could grant them total control within just 12 months.
All indications point toward FSG eventually relinquishing command, potentially culminating in a complete departure from Merseyside. The American ownership group, spearheaded by principal owner John W. Henry and formerly known as New England Sports Ventures, originally purchased Liverpool from Tom Hicks and George Gillett for £300 million back in 2010. During their tenure, the club was re-established as an English football powerhouse, capturing a sixth European crown in the Champions League and securing two Premier League titles. FSG's current sporting portfolio also features the Boston Red Sox, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and RFK Racing, alongside reported interest in the Cadillac Formula One team.
Speaking on entering the ownership structure, Bhatia described joining the historic club as "the stuff of dreams" while acknowledging the required oversight. "It feels incredible. It feels surreal when I hear those words, obviously an incredibly proud moment for myself, for my family, for our partners," Bhatia said. Calling Liverpool "the greatest football club in the world," he added that being involved in any capacity is a "huge privilege and a huge honour," while remaining mindful that the step remains "subject to all kinds of regulatory approvals that we’re going through the process [of] now."