Queens Park Rangers co-owner Amit Bhatia has stepped down from the club’s board as he leads a group in talks to buy a minority stake in Liverpool. The move comes as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly considering joining the bid, which could value Liverpool at around $6 billion.
What happened?
Amit Bhatia, who has co-owned Queens Park Rangers for 18 seasons, resigned from the club’s board on Tuesday. He agreed to transfer his stake to majority owner Ruben Gnanalingam. The announcement did not mention the potential Liverpool bid, but sources confirm Bhatia is leading a consortium that includes the Mittal family, owners of Indian steel giant ArcelorMittal.
Why it matters for Queens Park Rangers
Bhatia’s departure raises questions about the future of Queens Park Rangers. His 18-year tenure saw the club fluctuate between the Premier League and the Championship. While his exit may not directly impact the team’s performance, it signals a shift in ownership dynamics. The club’s statement emphasized continuity under Gnanalingam, but fans will watch closely for any changes.
What comes next?
The Bhatia-led group is in preliminary talks with Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s current owners. If a deal materializes, it would mark another minority investment in Liverpool, following Dynasty Equity’s 2023 purchase. Bezos’s potential involvement adds intrigue, given his wealth and influence. However, sources caution that no deal is guaranteed, and discussions remain early-stage.
The bigger picture
This bid reflects a growing trend in sports ownership, where minority stakes serve as stepping stones to majority ownership. Leagues like the NFL favor potential majority owners who have already undergone due diligence as minority investors. For Queens Park Rangers, Bhatia’s exit could pave the way for new investment or a restructuring of ownership.
