LeBron James buying into Liverpool FC quietly turned into one of the smartest moves of his business career.
Back in April 2011, James and Maverick Carter purchased a 2% stake in the club for $6.5 million. At the time, it barely made headlines. Since then, Liverpool’s rise has been hard to miss.
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The club lifted the Champions League in 2019, then followed it with a long-awaited Premier League title the next season. This year, Arne Slot’s side sits fourth in the table.
That on-field success has steadily boosted revenue, operating income, and overall valuation. Recent reports suggest James’ original investment has grown by nearly 1,400 percent, making the decision look better with every passing year.
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“In 2011, LeBron James acquired 2% of Liverpool for $6.5 million. At that time, the total value of the club was approximately $325 million.” The Footy Section shared on X. “Today, with Liverpool’s current estimated valuation of $4.8 billion, 2% of that value would be approximately $96 million.”
In 2011, LeBron James acquired 2% of Liverpool for $6.5 million. At that time, the total value of the club was approximately $325 million.
Today, with Liverpool’s current estimated valuation of $4.8 billion, 2% of that value would be approximately $96 million.
This means his… pic.twitter.com/m8ZpsL0TTB
— The Footy Section (@FTBLsection) January 12, 2026
This wasn’t just a clever headline or a lucky bet from James. It highlights how tightly sports leagues, brand power, and global capital are now connected.
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To private-equity groups, fund managers, and business classrooms, deals like this open new strategic angles. Celebrity ownership tied to alternative assets changes how value gets built.
LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LeBron James’ early stake in Liverpool has grown into something much bigger than support from afar. Today, it lives where sport, media reach, and global investment strategy all collide.
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