LeBron James has become a minor partner in Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owners of Liverpool FC.
FSG announced on Tuesday the basketball legend has invested in the group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox.
James has been a part-owner of Liverpool FC since 2011 and has a 2% stake in the club, which he bought for £4.7m.
He and his business partner Maverick Carter are now taking a more active role in global sports ownership.
The pair become the first black partners at FSG after expanding their investment in the global sports group, which is valued at more than $6bn (£4.3bn), according to Forbes business magazine.
FSG is pushing ahead with ambitious expansion plans and this week also approved a $750m private investment deal with RedBird Capital Partners.
The LA Lakers star already had links with FSG, having co-produced a television show with Tom Werner, the chairman of the Red Sox and Liverpool.
Mr Werner has the second largest stake in FSG behind John Henry, the principal owner.
In 2010, FSG bought Liverpool FC in a £300m deal under its old name New England Sports Ventures.