49ers Increase Stake in Leeds United

The San Francisco 49ers ownership group increased its stake in Leeds United to 44% on Friday, marking its fourth investment in the soccer club. 

49ers Enterprises originally purchased a 15% equity stake in the club worth a reported $13.6 million in 2018 from majority stakeholder and Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani — through his investment vehicle Aser Ventures. 

Since the original investment by 49ers Enterprises, Leeds United has been rejuvenated, climbing back into the Premier League in 2020 after a 16-year absence. 

“We are delighted to see Aser Ventures strengthen their partnership with 49ers Enterprises who have clearly been impressed by the quality of the project,” said Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear. 

The success has led 49ers Enterprises to steadily increase its stake in the club. 

• In December 2020, it bumped its stake to 25%, valuing Leeds United at $326 million.
• A month later, the group increased its minority stake to 37%. 

Radrizzani bought Leeds United from Italian entrepreneur Massimo Cellino in 2014 for $52 million and currently maintains 56% ownership of the club. 

The owner wants Leeds United to be worth $1.15 billion within the next five years. 

Last year, Radrizzani voiced his willingness to sell minority stakes in the club in order to reach that goal.