Formula 1 owner Liberty Media seems interested in investing in the Premier League – a boost for Liverpool who remain on the lookout for new investment
Liverpool’s search for additional investment could be boosted as the CEO of Liberty Media has expressed interest in investing in the Premier League.
The American company, which also owns the Atlanta Braves, is best known for its investments in Formula 1.
It would have cost $8 billion to fully take over the sport in 2017, with phenomenal growth since then, thanks in part to the success of the Netflix series Drive to Survive and the new fan base it has brought to the sport.
Owners of Liverpool-based Fenway Sports Group are expected to attract new shareholders and a partnership with Liberty Media would make that possible.
Since its acquisition under the leadership of John W.Henry in 2010, Liverpool had to rely on smart recruitment and player sales in the face of huge spending by clubs like Man City, Man United, Chelsea and now Newcastle.
According to Forbes, Liberty Media has become the largest sports property empire in the world, valued at $20.8bn (£16.35bn).
Their CEO, Greg Maffei, has set out his ambitions for future expansion, revealing the Premier League as an area of focus for future investment.
Speaking to the Walker Webcast, Maffei said: “I would refuse to buy cheap,” he continued. “We like to buy at a fair price and hopefully create added value.”
“Thanks to the proven success of Formula 1, we now have – thanks to them – a good reputation in the sport and with others we have spoken to, we can emulate that.” You mention Premier League teams; There isn’t an asset that we haven’t reviewed.
“That’s not to say we were ready to buy them all, but we look at everything because we think the sport in general is attractive, we think there are benefits and we think the things that the leading teams have learned can help with application “Maybe in other sporting situations.
Given Liberty’s interest in the Premier League brand, there could be room for investment in Liverpool as the club are open to a deal to continue the progress made under FSG ownership. In February, Reds owner Henry announced the club was not for sale but was in talks with investors.
“I know there’s been a lot of talk and quotes about LFC, but I’ll stick to the facts: We’ve just formalized an ongoing process,” he told the Boston Sports Journal.
. “Are we going to stay in England forever? No. Do we sell LFC? No. Do we talk about LFC with investors? Yes. Is something going to happen there? I think so, but it won’t be a sale. Have we sold anything in the last 20+ years?”
Manchester United are also looking for new owners, with the Glazer family looking to give up their stake in biggest rivals Liverpool. The influx of state-owned clubs such as Man City and Newcastle United has made it increasingly difficult to maintain private ownership in football.
The statement, released by the club in November, read: “There have been a number of recent ownership changes and rumors of ownership changes at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about the ownership of Fenway Sports Group in Liverpool.
“FSG has received regular expressions of interest from third parties wishing to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG have previously said that given the right terms, we would consider new shareholders if it was in Liverpool’s interests as a club. FSG remains fully committed to Liverpool’s success, both on and off the pitch.”
