LeBron James’ decision to take an ownership stake in Liverpool FC more than a decade ago has become one of the most successful investments by a professional athlete, even though he no longer directly owns a share in the Premier League club.

The NBA superstar’s original stake, valued at around $6.5 million in 2011, would be worth approximately $124 million today based on Liverpool’s current valuation. However, James exchanged that stake in 2021 for ownership in Liverpool’s parent company, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), a move that has potentially proved even more lucrative.

How did LeBron James invest in Liverpool?

In 2011, LeBron James and longtime business partner Maverick Carter entered into a partnership with Fenway Sports Group, the owners of Liverpool FC.

Rather than taking full cash compensation as part of the agreement, James accepted a 2% ownership stake in Liverpool, which was then valued at roughly $6.5 million.

At the time, Liverpool’s valuation under the deal was estimated at around $325 million.

Why did LeBron James back Liverpool?

James believed Liverpool possessed the history and global appeal needed to become one of the world’s biggest sports brands.

Speaking after acquiring the stake, he said:

“Any time you have so much history and so much power behind their story, there is great potential to continue that expansion.”

He also compared Liverpool’s worldwide recognition to some of the biggest names in American sport.

“They really are like Man U, and the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees. There are some teams and logos you see, no matter where you are in the world, and you know exactly who they are and what they mean.”

Why is Liverpool worth so much now?

Liverpool’s value has surged over the past decade thanks to sustained success on and off the pitch.

The club has benefited from:

• Premier League and Champions League success.
• Growth in global commercial partnerships.
• Increased broadcasting revenues.
• Expansion of its international fanbase.
• Long-term financial growth under Fenway Sports Group.

Recent reports value Liverpool at more than $6 billion, meaning James’ original 2% stake would now be worth around $120-124 million.

Does LeBron James still own part of Liverpool?

No.

In 2021, James, Maverick Carter and business partner Paul Wachter exchanged their direct Liverpool ownership for equity in Fenway Sports Group, the company that owns the club.

The move gave James a stake in a much larger sports empire rather than a single football club.

FSG’s portfolio now includes:

• Liverpool FC
• Boston Red Sox
• Pittsburgh Penguins
• Fenway Park
• New England Sports Network (NESN)
• Sports marketing and real estate businesses

Was the swap a better investment?

Potentially, yes.

While James gave up a Liverpool stake that would now be worth roughly $124 million, his ownership in Fenway Sports Group has appreciated significantly as the company expanded its portfolio.

CNBC recently valued FSG at approximately $15.4 billion.

Although James has never publicly disclosed the size of his current holding, previous estimates have suggested he owns around 1% of FSG. At current valuations, that stake could be worth roughly $150 million, though the exact figure has not been confirmed publicly.

LeBron James’ long-term investment strategy

Liverpool is just one of several successful equity investments James has made during his career.

Rather than relying solely on endorsement income, he has built a diversified business portfolio through ownership stakes, including investments in:

• Blaze Pizza
• Beats Electronics (before Apple’s acquisition)
• Fenway Sports Group
• Multiple entertainment and media ventures through SpringHill and Uninterrupted

His Liverpool investment remains one of the clearest examples of that strategy-turning a relatively modest equity deal into ownership in one of the world’s most valuable sports groups.