Liverpool's search for additional investment could be set for a boost, with Liberty Media's CEO revealing an interest in making an investment into the Premier League.
The American company, who also own the Atlanta Braves, are best-known for their investment in Formula One. Their 2017 acquisition of the sport in its entirety cost a reported $8 billion, with huge growth since, partly thanks to the success of Netflix's Drive to Survive series and the new fanbase it has attracted to the sport.
Liverpool 's Fenway Sports Group owners are believed to be receptive to bringing in new shareholders, and a partnership with Liberty Media would provide this. Since their takeover, led by John W. Henry in 2010, Liverpool have had to rely on smart recruitment and player sales in the face of the vast sums spent by clubs such as Man City, Man United, Chelsea, and now Newcastle.
Liberty Media have become the largest sports ownership empire in the world, according to Forbes, with a valuation of $20.8bn (£16.35bn). Their CEO Greg Maffei has outlined their aspirations for continued expansion, revealing that the Premier League is an area of interest for future investment.
Speaking to the Walker Webcast Maffei said: “I would dispute buying on the cheap," He continued. “We like to buy for a fair price then hopefully build value.
“The demonstrated success of Formula One, we now have - credit them - a reputation sports and others we have talked to, we can replicate that. You mention the Premier League teams; there isn't an asset we haven't looked at.
“That doesn't mean we've been ready to buy them all but we look at everything because we do think sports in general is attractive, we do think there are upsides and do think those things that management teams have taught up can help apply perhaps in other sports situations.”
With Liberty's interest in the Premier League brand, there could be scope for an investment in Liverpool, with the club's openness to a deal to continue the progress made under FSG's ownership. In February, Reds owner Henry revealed that the club were not up for sale, but that conversations were taking place with investors.
"I know there has been a lot of conversation and quotes about LFC, but I keep to the facts: we merely formalised an ongoing process," he told Boston Sports Journal. "Will we be in England forever? No. Are we selling LFC? No. Are [we] talking with investors about LFC? Yes. Will something happen there? I believe so, but it won't be a sale. Have we sold anything in the past 20+ years?"
Man United are also in the market for new owners, with the Glazer family looking to relinquish their stake in Liverpool's biggest rivals. The influx of state-owned clubs such as Man City and Newcastle United have made private ownership in football increasingly hard to sustain, with the Liverpool owners releasing a statement outlining their openness to new investment amid a changing landscape.
The statement, released by the club in November, read: “There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group’s ownership in Liverpool.
“FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club. FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch.”
