Bezos stepped down as CEO of Amazon 5 years in the past however stays one of many firm’s greatest shareholders.
He additionally owns aerospace firm Blue Origin, enterprise capital agency Nash Holdings and the Washington Submit. Extra not too long ago he created Prometheus, a synthetic intelligence firm which final month invested £330m in a British AI start-up.
As if to underline the dimensions of his monetary assets, solely final week he filed to promote 15 million of his remaining Amazon shares with a market worth of about £3.1bn – double the worth of the consortium’s provide for a stake in Liverpool.
Bezos has been linked with sports activities funding for a while, however normally American sports activities franchises that are both dearer or not open to affords.
He was reportedly within the Seattle Seahawks, who had been sold for £7.3bn, external not too long ago. The Washington Commanders, one other NFL franchise stated to be of curiosity, had been offered for £4.6bn in 2023.
Shopping for a stake in Liverpool would give the 62-year-old a slice of one of the crucial iconic world sports activities manufacturers for a small fraction of his fortune.
However would Liverpool be a standing image or a real funding?
It’s not as if Liverpool are unknown in america, both. Analysis firm GWI has reported that Liverpool have 26 million supporters within the US, and the fastest-growing fan base.
It’s no shock, then, that the Reds had their pre-season tour within the States.
The deal would proceed a theme of US funding into the Premier League, with 11 of the 20 groups this season having majority management from America – Liverpool included.
That is to not point out Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac – previously often called Rob McElhenney – at Wrexham, and Tom Brady’s Birmingham, within the Championship.
FSG purchased into Liverpool on the most opportune time, with the membership struggling financially.
However even at this level Hogan says there’s “an enormous alternative nonetheless” to put money into “the largest and hottest sport on the earth”.
It faucets into the explanation why US cash continues to pour into the English sport – particularly status, and the prospect to develop not simply on this nation however all over the world too.
Fb co-founder Eduardo Saverin, who’s reported to be value $32bn (£23.7bn), can be concerned is the consortium.
Then there’s Amit Bhatia, who had been a director and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers for the final 18 years till he relinquished his possession stake within the Championship membership on 21 July.
It’s in opposition to Soccer Affiliation rules to have a considerable curiosity in multiple membership, so the timing of Bhatia’s transfer appeared to substantiate he’s concerned within the Liverpool deal.
Hogan has urged there is no such thing as a prospect of FSG entertaining a full sale of the membership, however Maguire believes if the preliminary funding goes properly, that might change.
“If Bezos et al just like the kudos and a focus that half proudly owning as massive a model as Liverpool brings,” Maguire stated. “Then a full acquisition turns into a risk, if the value is correct.”
