LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND (VINnews) — Fenway Sports Group, owners of Liverpool Football Club, confirmed Friday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a minority equity stake in the Premier League club to a consortium that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The investor group, named 1892 Holdings in reference to the year Liverpool was founded, is led and managed by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, the former Queens Park Rangers chairman and son-in-law of steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal. The consortium also includes the Mittal Family Trusts, EE Capital associated with Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, and the K5 Sports fund, in which Bezos is the lead investor.

A source familiar with the matter said the stake is about one-third of the club. FSG will retain majority ownership and full operational control of Liverpool. The transaction is not expected to affect the club’s approach to the transfer market or day-to-day operations.

FSG President Mike Gordon said in a statement: “Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season and making decisions with the club’s long-term interests in mind. That approach continues to attract interest from respected investors and business leaders around the world. As we considered this opportunity, it became clear that Amit and the consortium shared our long-term philosophy and appreciation for what makes Liverpool special. Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place, and we look forward to working together.”

Bhatia will join the club as vice chairman and serve on an expanded board, along with Elaine Saverin of EE Capital and Bryan Baum of K5 Sports. Bezos will not take a board seat, according to a source.

“We are incredibly proud to be investing in Liverpool Football Club and to be doing so alongside FSG,” Bhatia said. “We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield. To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege. We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership, and we look forward to supporting the club’s continued success for years to come.”

FSG said the deal supports Liverpool’s long-term growth ambitions by bringing together experts from global business, technology and investment. The consortium partners will work with FSG and the club’s leadership to evaluate opportunities that enhance the club’s objectives on and off the pitch.

FSG, which purchased Liverpool in 2010, previously sold a small minority stake to Dynasty Equity in 2023. Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season and opens the new campaign at Newcastle United on Aug. 23. The club has won a joint-record 20 English league titles.

The agreement remains subject to regulatory approvals. Exact financial terms of the stake sale were not disclosed by FSG.