How much stake does LeBron James have in Liverpool? NBA legend reportedly increases equity in club's parent company
LeBron James is a part-owner of Liverpool FC. The LA Lakers forward is one of the wealthiest athletes and his investment in the soccer club has paid off. James is also the only active NBA player to become a billionaire.
While the Lakers star is the third highest-paid player in the league this season, he's earned a lot more from his business ventures. The 38-year-old basketball player is part of the Fenway Sports Group, which owns several professional teams.
James has an ownership stake in Liverpool as well as many other teams. This article will reveal everything you need to know about his business.
LeBron James increased his equity in Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool FC
Back in 2011, LeBron James purchased a 2% ownership stake in Liverpool. James, who played for the Miami Heat at the time, reportedly spent $6.5 million on this investment.
According to Forbes, the English soccer club is worth $4.45 billion at the moment. It's the fourth most valuable soccer team in the world, trailing only Real Madrid ($5.1B), Barcelona ($5.0B), and Manchester United ($4.6B).
In 2021, the 4-time MVP converted his ownership stake in Liverpool to a roughly 1% stake of the Fenway Sports Group. The soccer team was valued at approximately $4.1 billion two years ago, meaning that James' stake was worth around $82 million.
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Besides Liverpool FC, Fenway Sports Group owns the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Penguins, and a few other professional teams. The sports empire is worth around $10 billion in 2023, meaning that James' ownership stake is valued at least $100 million.
The 4-time MVP recently signed a lifetime marketing deal with Fenway Sports Group. The deal also includes a higher ownership stake, but the exact number hasn't been reported yet.
Considering how popular James is, it wouldn't be surprising if his ownership stake in the sports group at least doubled.
Will LeBron own an NBA team?
NBA teams have been very profitable lately. Even teams that have had long playoff droughts, such as the Sacramento Kings, have made millions in each of the past few seasons.
LeBron cannot currently own an NBA team since he's an active player. However, he will be free to purchase this business opportunity once he retires.
As wealthy as LeBron James is, he wouldn't be able to own an NBA team all on his own. Due to this, if he decides to own a team, he will have to do it with his sports group.
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According to Forbes, the New Orleans Pelicans are the least valuable NBA team at the moment. However, even they are worth $1.6 billion, which is much more than LeBron's net worth of $1 billion.