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49ers Enterprises Set for Full Takeover of Premier League Club

  • The 49ers’ investment arm is set to buy all of Leeds United.
  • The team already owns a 44% stake in the Premier League club.
Leeds-United
Leeds United

The San Francisco 49ers’ investment vehicle is making big moves across the pond.

49ers Enterprises is set to buy all of Premier League club Leeds United at a reported valuation of up to $558.1 million after securing sufficient funds to increase its stake.

  • The team was bought by Andrea Radrizzani for $51.7 million in 2017. Leeds was in the second-tier EFL Championship league at the time and was promoted to the Premier League for the 2020-21 season.
  • The 49ers took a 15% stake in 2018 for a reported $11.8 million. Their stake grew to 37% in January 2021 and up to 44% the following November.
  • 49ers Enterprises holds an option to buy 100% of the team that expires in January 2024. The transaction could be completed before then, and Radrizzani may retain a small stake.

The deal will also include Leeds’ century-old Elland Road stadium.

Promotion and a Raise

Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League had a bigger effect on its profits than the pandemic.

The team banked a $30.6 million profit in 2020-21, despite playing the entire season in empty stadiums, compared to a $72.8 million loss the previous season.

Leeds received $162.8 million in league distributions in 2020-21 and $133.9 million the following season.

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