Writer’s Strike End a Boon for Sports Networks, Agencies
The richest sports team owner in America is no longer considering a bid for an iconic European soccer club.
Steve Ballmer — the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers — had been rumored to make a takeover bid for the Premier League’s Liverpool FC.
“When I sat down with Ballmer recently and asked if he would be interested in buying any other sports franchises, he said no,” Los Angeles Times reporter Sam Farmer said.
The former Microsoft CEO — whose net worth is $79 billion, per Forbes — emerged as a potential suitor due to the club’s potential asking price by owner Fenway Sports Group.
- FSG also owns the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins.
- The sports investment company purchased Liverpool in 2010 for $353.4 million.
- The club has hired Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to facilitate a potential sale.
- Liverpool is valued at $4.45 billion — the fourth-most-valuable club in soccer.
Liverpool has received solidified interest from Mukesh Ambani, owner of the Indian Premier League’s Mumbai Indians. Ambani could handle the steep price tag with a net worth of $90.9 billion, making the energy entrepreneur the richest sports team owner in the world.
American Owner Still Possible
Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils owner Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment is mulling its options on a potential bid for Liverpool.
HBSE owns a minority stake — roughly 18% — in fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace FC. The sports company would have to divest its stake to complete a deal for Liverpool.
