The sale of a minority stake in Liverpool FC to an Amit Bhatia-led consortium indicates a significant trend in English football, where major transfers are increasingly focused on club ownership rather than individual players. Ed Barnett of Latham & Watkins, who advised on the Liverpool deal, notes a strong demand for stakes in English football clubs.
While Manchester City's record £116m signing of Elliot Anderson made headlines, the ownership of several other Premier League and Championship clubs is reportedly subject to speculation. Football deals are proving to be big business, driven by factors such as media rights, club assets, and brand value.
The Premier League's broadcast cycle from 2025 to 2029 is worth £12.3bn, marking a 17% increase from the previous cycle. International media rights have also seen a tenfold increase in value since 2007. Additionally, clubs are viewed as asset plays, with stadiums like Manchester United's planned 100,000-seater stadium and Everton's move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium creating lucrative real estate investment opportunities.
Deloitte's 2026 Football Money League shows the top 20 global clubs generated over €12bn in revenue during the 2024/2025 season. This commercial strength and the unique, unreplicable nature of live sport are attracting a broad range of global investors, including US owners who reportedly control 11 Premier League clubs.
New regulations are also impacting deals, with the Independent Football Regulator introducing prospective owner suitability tests in May. The Premier League continues its own tests, creating two overlapping regimes. Despite increasing complexity and costs due to these regulations, investors remain keen, with strong demand expected for Premier League and top Championship clubs throughout the coming season.