The San Francisco 49ers, owners of the NFL team, have taken control of English soccer club Leeds United. The sale of the club to 49ers Enterprises was approved by the English Football League, allowing for an immediate transition of ownership. Leeds United, which was recently relegated from the Premier League to the Championship, announced the news on Monday.
Paraag Marathe, who will become the chairman of the club, expressed his excitement about the new ownership. He stated, “This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are already hard at work. This transition is a necessary reset to chart a new course for the Club.” Marathe will succeed Andrea Radrizzani as Leeds’ majority owner, while Angus Kinnear will continue in his role as CEO.
The 49ers Enterprises ownership group initially invested in Leeds in 2018 and increased its share to 44% in late 2021. Last month, they reached an agreement to take over the club, with NBA players Larry Nance Jr. and T.J. McConnell joining as minority partners. Golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are also set to be minority partners, and NBA star Russell Westbrook recently bought a stake in the ownership group.
Leeds United appointed former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke as their new manager two weeks ago. Farke, who signed a four-year contract, replaced Sam Allardyce after the club’s relegation. Farke previously led Norwich to the Premier League in his second season before they were relegated back to the Championship in 2019-20. However, they won the Championship again and secured an immediate return to the top flight in 2020-21.
Andrea Radrizzani, the outgoing majority owner of Leeds United, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the club. He said, “It has been an honor to guide Leeds United over the last six years and to spend so much time with the best fan base in the world. 49ers Enterprises have been fantastic partners for years, and I’m confident they will take Leeds to the next level.”
The statement did not mention whether Radrizzani would still be involved with the club. Radrizzani is also the chairman and founder of sports broadcasting group Eleven Sports.
The acquisition of Leeds United by the San Francisco 49ers has generated significant interest and excitement among fans and the sports community. The 49ers Enterprises ownership group has a proven track record in the sports industry, and their investment in Leeds United is expected to bring new opportunities and resources to the club.
Leeds United has a rich history and a passionate fan base. The club’s return to the Premier League in recent years has reignited the enthusiasm of supporters. With the backing of the 49ers Enterprises ownership group, Leeds United aims to build on its recent successes and establish itself as a competitive force in English football.
The involvement of NBA players and renowned golfers as minority partners further highlights the global appeal and influence of Leeds United. This diverse ownership group brings together individuals from different sports backgrounds who share a common goal of supporting and enhancing the club’s growth.
Leeds United fans can look forward to an exciting future under the new ownership. The 49ers Enterprises group has a strong commitment to success and a proven ability to drive positive change in sports organizations. With their expertise and resources, they are well-positioned to take Leeds United to new heights.
As the new chairman, Paraag Marathe will play a crucial role in shaping the club’s direction and strategy. His experience with the San Francisco 49ers will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to Leeds United. Marathe’s leadership, combined with the expertise of CEO Angus Kinnear and the rest of the management team, will be instrumental in driving the club forward.
Leeds United fans can expect exciting developments both on and off the pitch. The new ownership group’s investment is likely to lead to improvements in infrastructure, player recruitment, and overall club operations. This will create a solid foundation for sustained success and enable Leeds United to compete at the highest level.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Leeds United by the San Francisco 49ers is a significant development for both the club and its fans. The new ownership group brings a wealth of experience, resources, and global connections that will undoubtedly benefit Leeds United. With a strong management team in place and a clear vision for the future, the club is poised for an exciting journey ahead.