A hidden 38% stake: Bezos‑backed consortium now owns a larger slice of the Reds, eclipsing earlier 30% estimates

Inside a sleek boardroom, the quiet revelation that a Bezos‑backed consortium now controls a 38% share of the Reds sent ripples through Liverpool’s hierarchy, overturning earlier estimates that the stake lay in the 30% range and underscoring the growing influence of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos on the club.

The billionaire collaboration holds a 38% stake in Liverpool, a figure that emerged only after closer scrutiny of the ownership structure. This percentage exceeds the previously reported range and confirms the consortium’s substantial involvement.

Initial commentary suggested the investment fell "in the range of 30%", but insiders now understand the actual holding to be closer to 40%.

Potential controlling stake for 1892 Holdings

It is also understood that 1892 Holdings, led by British-Indian millionaire businessman Amit Bhatia, has an option to purchase a controlling stake in Liverpool within the next 12 months. The option remains informal and is not a binding commitment.

When the deal was announced last week, sources emphasized that the transaction documents allow flexibility in how the relationship may evolve, but they do not signal either party’s future intentions nor a predetermined path to another deal.

Strategic board expansion and no financial pressure

Liverpool’s majority owners Fenway Sports Group are not seeking capital out of financial need; instead, they view the addition of figures like Bhatia and Bezos—who participates through K5 Sports and will be represented on an expanded board by Bryan Baum—as advantageous. Facebook co‑founder Eduardo Saverin and his wife Elaine also hold board seats.

Amit Bhatia, the son‑in‑law of Indian steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal and former co‑owner of QPR, has acted as FSG’s primary partner throughout negotiations and is set to become the new vice‑chairman.

The investment values Liverpool between five and six billion US dollars. It will not affect the club’s transfer strategy for the remainder of the window or alter the operating budget, as sporting decisions remain under the control of Liverpool’s football operation.