MIAMI (AP) LeBron James is getting into the soccer business, aligning with the owners of the Boston Red Sox.

Fenway Sports Management — the sister company of the Red Sox — said Wednesday that it has signed James and the company he helped create, LRMR, to a long-term deal to secure marketing and sponsorship opportunities.

As part of the deal, James obtained a piece of Liverpool FC, one of the world's most famed soccer teams and a longtime marquee franchise in the English Premier League.

"I can't even explain the level of excitement that we have right now," James' manager and LRMR CEO Maverick Carter said.

"As far as my business career goes, it's one of the most exciting times. And the opportunity for growth for us is huge. The guys at FSM understand it too and they probably see it even more than we do."