Basketball star LeBron James secured a minority stake in Liverpool this week after striking a deal with the club’s owner, Fenway Sports Group.
It marks a growing trend amongst sport stars, who are increasingly investing part of their fortunes back into sport.
1) LeBron James – Liverpool
James currently earns $30m a year through Miami Heat and other endorsements, and is known for his business acumen off the court with his sports-marketing firm, LRMR Branding & Marketing.
The 26-year-old says he is “excited to be affiliated with this incredible organisation”, and is eager to visit Anfield.
“There are very few athletes who can match his global reach, appeal and iconic status,” said Liverpool chairman Tom Werner.
“We feel the business opportunities for both working and being identified together in emerging international markets will result in unforeseen opportunities that neither would have been able to realise alone.”
2) Michael Jordan – Charlotte Bobcats
Michael Jordan realised a long-term dream in March 2010 when he took control of the Charlotte Bobcats.
The 48-year-old had been desperate to become a NBA owner and purchased the club in a deal worth $275m, making him the first former NBA player to own a NBA team.
3) The Williams sisters – Miami Doplhins
Tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams secured a minority stake in NFL outfit Miami Dolphins in August 2009. The sisters, who live within an hour’s drive from the Dolphin stadium, became limited partners in their local football team.
4 & 5) Gary Lineker and Emile Heskey – Leicester City
Former England international Lineker, who began his prestigious football career at Leicester City in 1978, headed a consortium which paid £5m to administrators to purchase Leicester City in 2003.
Both Lineker and Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey both invested six figure sums to aid the consortium’s buy-out of cash strapped Leicester.