Serena Williams, Lewis Hamilton join Broughton’s bid to buy Chelsea

Williams and Hamilton have pledged an estimated £10 million ($13.06 million) each to Sir Martin Broughton’s bid to buy Premier League club Chelsea

Former tennis world number one Serena Williams and seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton have joined Martin Broughton’s bid to buy Premier League club Chelsea, a source close to the bid told Reuters on Thursday.

Former Liverpool chairman Broughton’s consortium includes World Athletics President Sebastian Coe and wealthy investors from around the world, who the group says all want to maintain Chelsea’s top status.

Private equity veterans Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who own sports teams including the National Basketball Association’s Philadelphia 76ers, are also backing Broughton’s bid.

Williams and Hamilton have pledged an estimated £10 million ($13.06 million) each to the bid, Sky Sports reported.

Hamilton’s representatives later confirmed that the 37-year-old had joined Broughton’s bid, but said the financial figures quoted in the report were not accurate, without disclosing any details.

Reuters have reached out Williams’ representatives for comment.

Williams is already an investor in Los Angeles’ Angel City FC, which plays in the National Women’s Soccer League.