Amazon's Jeff Bezos Takes Aim at English Soccer With Liverpool Investment Plans
Bezos, alongside Eduardo Saverin, eyes 30% stake in Liverpool at £1.35 billion valuation.
Jeff Bezos, the billionaire founder of Amazon, is reportedly attempting to join the ranks of high-net-worth individuals buying stakes in U.K. soccer teams. According to The Guardian, Bezos, alongside Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, is looking to purchase at least a 30% stake in the English soccer team Liverpool at a valuation of £1.35 billion (approximately $1.8 billion). This would mark the first sports investment for Bezos, who has reportedly previously considered buying a stake in a U.S. football team.
The Growing Trend of American Billionaires Investing in U.K. Soccer Teams
The trend of American billionaires investing in U.K. soccer teams shows no signs of slowing down. Other notable investors include Todd Boehly and Mark Walters, who own the LA Dodgers and LA Lakers, buying Chelsea; Woody Johnson, the former U.S. Ambassador to the U.K., purchasing Crystal Palace; Dan Friedkin taking a stake in Everton; and Bill Foley leading a group that also includes Michael B. Jordan buying Bournemouth. Even celebrities like Ryan Reynolds and Michael B. Jordan have gotten in on the action, with Reynolds owning a minority stake in Welcome to Wrexham, a TV show about his experience owning an English team.
Why U.K. Soccer Teams Are Becoming a Hottest Ticket for American Investors
Soccer has become increasingly popular in the U.S., and many of the top sports franchises, like the NFL and MLB, are either too expensive or closed off to new buyers. In contrast, buying into a Premier League team is a more feasible option for American investors. Additionally, owning a share in a U.K. soccer team provides access to some of the most recognizable sports icons on the planet.
Bezos' Growing Interests in the U.K.
Bezos' potential investment in Liverpool is not his only foray into the U.K. market. His new AI company, Prometheus, is reportedly looking to sign a lease in London's AI hub King's Cross, further solidifying his interests in the region.