Serena Williams, Lewis Hamilton join bid to buy Chelsea
Superstar athletes Serena Williams and Lewis Hamilton have committed to investing in Sir Martin Broughton's bid to buy Premier League club Chelsea, , according to Rob Harris of The Associated Press.
The former world No. 1 tennis star and the Formula 1 heavyweight were first reported by Mark Kleinman of Sky Sports to have pledged £10 million ($13.06 million) each to the bid.
Hamilton's representatives confirmed his involvement to the Associated Press but disputed the financial figures, saying the 37-year-old plans to invest more than £10 million
Chelsea were put up for sale by owner Roman Abramovich shortly after the invasion of Ukraine in February. Abramovich, who has ties to Russia and President Vladimir Putin, made the move before the British government imposed sanctions on the oligarch.
Williams, who has won a record 23 Grand Slams, is also an investor in National Women's Soccer League team Angel City FC.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe is also one of a number of wealthy investors who've joined former Liverpool chairman Broughton's consortium.
Final bids for Chelsea were submitted earlier this month.
Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly and Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca are also on the shortlist of interested buyers.