Devils, 76ers Owner Considers Liverpool Bid Options

The owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils may look to add an iconic soccer club to its portfolio.

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment is mulling its options on a potential bid for Liverpool FC, one of the Premier League’s most storied clubs. Earlier this month, Fenway Sports Group — which also owns the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins — put Liverpool up for sale. 

• Liverpool is valued at $4.45 billion, per Forbes — the fourth-most-valuable club in soccer.
• The club has hired Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to facilitate a potential sale.
• It would “only occur if the valuation is met by an individual or group who FSG find agreeable.”
• No deal between HBSE and FSG is imminent. 

HBSE and its co-founder Dave Blitzer have made previous investments in soccer.

In 2015, HBSE acquired a minority stake — roughly 18% — in fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace FC. The company would be required to divest the stake to complete a sale for Liverpool. 

In January, Blitzer agreed to buy a controlling stake in MLS club Real Salt Lake in a deal that includes MLS NEXT Pro’s Real Monarchs and America First Field.

Stiff Competition 

FSG, which purchased Liverpool in 2010 for $353.4 million, is expected to attract some of the world’s richest sports team owners.

Mukesh Ambani, the owner of the Indian Premier League’s Mumbai Indians, has expressed interest in the club, but could be bidding against Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.