24 October 2023 , 13:13
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Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are considering major investments - including in the NBA and on the PGA tour - as they continue to try and grow their sporting empire.
Last month, it was confirmed that FSG have sold a minority stake to Dynasty Equity, almost a year since John W Henry began to search for investment opportunities. This means an extra £164million is being pumped into the club, although none of it will go on Jurgen Klopp's squad.
The investment will go on paying off debt caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, improvements to Anfield, building the AXA Training Centre and repurchasing Melwood. "Our long-term commitment to Liverpool remains as strong as ever," said FSG president Mike Gordon back on September 28.
Now, FSG are set to focus on making smart investments. In the summer, it emerged that they have set their sights on enquiring an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas. Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has been open about their interest in acquiring a team in the world's premier basketball league, but it unknown if a deal will go through.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that FSG were interested in investing in the PGA Tour. It would be a move that rivals Public Investment Fund - owners of Newcastle - after they agreed a deal back in May. The paperwork was signed off by PGA's Jay Monahan, PIF's Yasir al-Rumayyan and DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley following six weeks of talks.
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The deal still has to be ratified and FSG could now come in to try and secure a piece of their own. According to the Liverpool Echo, FSG remain keen alongside WWE and UFC owners Endeavour and Arctos Sports Partners. As per the Boston Globe, the PGA Tour commented via a statement: "Throughout 2023, the PGA TOUR has demonstrated its strength, reach and value as an enterprise.
Liverpool owner John W Henry with his wife Linda Pizzuti Henry during the Reds' opening day trip to Chelsea (Getty Images)"Our focus continues to be on finalising an agreement with the Public Investment Fund and the DP World Tour, however, our negotiations have resulted in unsolicited interest from other investors."
After Liverpool confirmed the extra investment last month, Gordon added: "We have always said that if there is an investment partner that is right for Liverpool then we would pursue the opportunity to help ensure the club's long-term financial resiliency and future growth.
"We look forward to building upon the long-standing relationship with Dynasty to further strengthen the club's financial position and sustain our ambitions for continued success on and off the pitch."