LIVERPOOL’S owners have confirmed a £543million investment from RedBird Capital and have welcomed NBA legend LeBron James to their ownership group.
The basketball superstar, 36, has owned a two per cent stake in the Premier League champions since 2011.
Now James has upped his stake in Liverpool after becoming a partner in their American ownership group Fenway.
The company also own legendary baseball team Boston Red Sox.
John Henry remains in charge at Fenway Sports with Tom Werner the second largest shareholder.
The pair approved a new £543m investment from RedBird Capital, who became the third largest shareholders in Fenway Sports Group.
The champions are now hopeful the deal will help bring some financial stability after an estimated £120m loss in revenues since the coronavirus outbrreak.
It is also expected to help secure the redevelopment of the Anfield Road Stand, which is currently in the process of gaining planning permission, to increase capacity at the Reds’ iconic home to 61,000.
And Jurgen Klopp will also feel the benefits as it will allow funding to sign new players this summer, with RB Leipzig’s £34m-rated defender Ibrahima Konate his No.1 target.
FSG’s principal owner John W Henry, chairman Tom Werner and president Mike Gordon said: “Our strategic partnership with Gerry [Cardinale – founder and managing partner of RedBird], and the entire team will enhance our ability to pursue future growth opportunities in a more accelerated way but with the same selectiveness that has served us so well.
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“We are also pleased to welcome to our ownership group LeBron, Maverick and Paul, with whom we have enjoyed a successful collaboration for well over a decade.
“Their addition is an important milestone for FSG and expands and deepens a long-time friendship and relationship that began in 2010.
“To our fans and supporters: Winning continues to be the driving force for all of us.
“The growth of FSG as an organisation allows us to further strengthen our resources and commitment to the communities we serve, and we look forward to having these talented new partners join us in the next chapter of FSG’s evolution.”
Cardinale added: “We look forward to contributing our experience growing premier sports properties and working alongside this tremendous leadership team.”
FSG brought Liverpool in October 2010 from previous American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
The group have overseen Anfield renovations and built a new training ground as well as success on the pitch with Jurgen Klopp in charge.
James won his fourth NBA title last year with Los Angeles Lakers having previously won two with Miami Heat and one at Cleveland Cavaliers.
He earns around £30m a year from his contract with the basketball team.
The Nike sponsored athlete also helped launched Liverpool’s new kit with the US sportswear giants last August.
James said: “I’ll never forget the feeling of walking through the Shankly Gates, the atmosphere and the fans. It was an adrenaline rush and one of the greatest experiences I’ve had watching sports.
“Liverpool FC is admired across the world and I’ve learned firsthand that it’s the people who make the community special.
“Family and community are truly at the heart of everything they do. No matter where they are.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
