NBA megastar LeBron James is set to take on a larger role within Fenway Sports Group, the owners of Liverpool Football Club.
The Los Angeles Lakers megastar is already a minority shareholder in the Premier League champions, and is set to improve his stake.
James has held shares in the club since 2011, but will now become a part-owner of Major League Baseball franchise the Boston Red Sox.
Reports suggest James and his business partner Maverick Carter will become the first black partners in FSG’s history.
FSG have approved a £540million private investment bid from RedBird Capital Partners, which will make them their third-largest partner and increase their spending power.
James has acted as an ambassador for Liverpool at times in the past, and has often arrived to games dressed in replica shirts.
When Liverpool partnered with Nike last year, he sent close friends personalised shirts with a letter detailing his passion for the club.
James, dubbed ‘The King’, heaped praise on the newly-crowned Premier League champions and detailed his hopes for the future.
(Image: Twitter/LA Lakers)
“Nine years ago, I went to my first game at Anfield,” the letter read.
“I’ll never forget the feeling of walking through the Shankly Gates, the atmosphere and the fans. It was an adrenaline rush and one of the greatest experiences I’ve had watching sports.
“Liverpool FC is admired across the world and I’ve learned firsthand that it’s the people who make the community special.
“Family and community are truly at the heart of everything they do. No matter where they are.
“It’s the Liverpool way. They are a family.
“And having been part of the Nike family for over 18 years, I know how important that is to all of us.
“Today, I am excited to invite you to celebrate another moment of greatness in their journey – the partnership of Nike and Liverpool FC.
“You’re one of the first to receive the kit that hono[u]rs the team and this new chapter.
“Join me in officially welcoming Liverpool FC to the Nike family. ‘By far the greatest team, the world has ever seen…’”
