LeBron Inks Deal to Own Soccer Club Liverpool

LeBron James is now part owner of soccer giant Liverpool

Global might not even be the right adjective for LeBron James, who reportedly has signed a deal to become part owner of one of the most prestigious soccer franchises in the world.

James and Fenway Sports Group, which owns soccer club Liverpool and MLB's the Boston Red Sox, have agreed to a deal that will make the Miami Heat forward a true marketing presence on a worldwide scale.

According to the Wall Street Journal, James would have a minority stake in Liverpool and Fenway Sports Group would become James' new ever-reaching marketing arm.

"The first time I stepped on an NBA court I became a businessman," James told the WSJ.com. "This is a great opportunity for me."

James is already arguably the most recognizable name and face in professional sports today, although not necessarily the most liked.

But James' drop in popularity after leaving Cleveland to come to South Beach doesn't appear to have scared FSG, which purchased the Red Sox in 2002 and purchased Liverpool in 2010.

Apparently, James is a big Liverpool fan, although he has shown his allegiance to the New York Yankees, the hated rivals of the Red Sox.

But don't expect James to give up his day job and moonlight as a soccer pro like Miami native and NFL star Chad Ochocinco.

"We're not interested in talent or athlete representation but we think he is one of the most remarkable athletes of his time," FSG exec Tom Werner told WSJ.com. "We believe we can open doors for LeBron and LeBron can open doors for us."

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