49ers Owners Take Full Control Of Leeds United After Sale Approval

The sale of Leeds United to 49ers Enterprises has been approved by the English Football League — greenlighting an immediate transition of the soccer club’s ownership to the strategic investment arm of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.

Last month, Andrea Radrizzani agreed to sell his majority investment at a reported $209 million after Leeds was relegated from the Premier League. 49ers Enterprises already owned a 44% stake in Leeds — which could have been valued at more than $600 million if it retained its spot in England’s top flight.

The York family, which owns the 49ers and controls 49ers Enterprises, will appoint Paraag Marathe — president of the company and executive VP of football operations for the NFL team — as Leeds United chairman. 

This final step ends a process that began in 2018, when 49ers Enterprises first took a minority stake in Leeds.

The top priority for the new owners will be fielding a squad that earns promotion back into the Premier League. Enhancing all aspects of the club “both on and off the pitch” is another major initiative, 49ers Enterprises said.

Leeds has long planned to redevelop its Elland Road stadium — with plans to potentially expand capacity from 38,000 to 55,000 via a project that could cost well north of $100 million.