FSG’s principal owner, John Henry, is reportedly in discussions with the Saudi Arabian owners of Newcastle United regarding an investment exceeding £800 million. Notably, this venture is unrelated to Liverpool Football Club.
Earlier in 2024, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) initiated a £2.3 billion investment in the PGA Tour, signaling their growing interest in the golf industry. This investment resulted in the creation of a new entity, PGA Enterprises, which allows players to acquire equity stakes in the business. Additionally, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) is expected to join this project through future co-investments, marking a significant collaboration.
According to ESPN, these discussions took place in New York last week. Among the participants were PGA Tour Enterprises chairman Joe Gorder, FSG owner John Henry, Tiger Woods, and golfer Adam Scott, all part of a subcommittee responsible for negotiating with the Saudis.
This development is noteworthy not only for golf but also for Liverpool, given the intricate relationship between FSG and the PIF, which holds an 85 percent ownership stake in Newcastle United. For the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour to merge with the PGA Tour, led by FSG, a certain level of cooperation between Liverpool’s and Newcastle’s owners would be essential.
It will be fascinating to observe how these partnerships might impact Premier League matters, including decisions on rule changes and the league’s profit and sustainability regulations. The dual involvement of FSG and the PIF in different sports may lead to potential conflicts of interest, particularly when considering votes or decisions that could affect both football and golf.
John Henry addressed FSG’s investment strategy in an interview with the Boston Globe in July, an outlet he owns. Reflecting on the group’s future direction following their entry into the golf sector, Henry stated that FSG is currently not looking to expand further.
He remarked, “It means that we’re not seeking growth at this stage. I hate to say that on record, but we’ve got our hands full with Boston, Liverpool, the PGA Tour, Pittsburgh [Penguins], NASCAR, and real estate.
We’re still working on some projects we began before the PGA Tour, and while we may explore future opportunities, we are fully committed to our current endeavors. We’ve never been the kind of group actively looking for new opportunities.”
As FSG continues to balance its various sports investments, it will be crucial for them to manage any potential conflicts of interest. Liverpool fans will hope that their club’s interests remain unaffected by FSG’s deepening involvement in the world of golf.
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