BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 15: Red Sox Owner John Henry looks on during a press conference addressing the departure of Alex Cora as manager of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on January 15, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. A MLB investigation concluded that Cora was involved in the Houston Astros sign stealing operation in 2017 while he was the bench coach. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
John Henry’s Fenway Sports Group is looking to pass a major asset on to new ownership.
As reported Monday by David Ornstein at The Athletic, FSG has put Liverpool FC up for sale. Ornstein reports that they’ve put together a “full sales presentation” for “interested parties.”
Liverpool is valued at $4.45 billion, according to Forbes. That tops the Red Sox’ estimated valuation of $3.9 billion.
Jan 15, 2020; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox ownership John Henry and Tom Werner (right) talk with the media at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
“There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group’s ownership in Liverpool,” a statement from FSG to The Athletic reads. “FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club. FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch.”
The sale of Liverpool will leave the FSG with the Red Sox as its most valuable sports franchise. They also recently bought the Pittsburgh Penguins for around $900 million.
This will invite questions about Henry’s future plans with the Red Sox, particularly whether he plans to invest in improving the roster. Longtime starting shortstop and team cornerstone Xander Bogaerts is reportedly opting out of his player option for 2023 and becoming a free agent. There’s also the case of third baseman Rafael Devers, who has just one more season of arbitration eligibility.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 10: Rafael Devers #11 and Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox look on in the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 10, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
John Henry's most valuable sports asset is going up for sale
