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Amazon could be considering its most stunning sports move yet.
The company has reportedly been mooted as a potential buyer for Premier League club Manchester United, a merger that would bring together a massive company with a growing presence in sports media and one of the most valuable soccer teams in the world.
- The Raine Group, acting on behalf of team owners the Glazer family, is seeking a price between $7.4 billion and $8.7 billion, which some believe to be unrealistic.
- Apple was initially thought to be interested in the team, but more recent reports pushed back.
- Mukesh Ambani, whose estimated net worth is $92.5 billion, could make a play for Man U, but is also thought to be considering Liverpool and Arsenal.
- U.K. billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe could lead a consortium bid for the club.
The Raine Group hopes to wrap up a sale in the first quarter of 2023.
Amazon Conflicted?
While Amazon certainly has the funds to make a bid for United, it’s unclear if the Premier League would permit an entity to own both a team and media rights.
Amazon, Sky Sports, BBC Sport, and BT Sports hold broadcast rights to the league for a combined $7 billion through 2025.
Sky Group was blocked from buying Manchester United in 1999 by U.K. regulators, who determined that the media company’s purchase could hurt competition.
