Wednesday, April 22, 2026

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Premier League Title Race Tightens With Big Money on the Line

The Stan Kroenke-controlled club is now in a tight battle for the league title.
NFL: Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders

Top Sports Attorneys Command $10M Salaries Amid Poaching Frenzy

“The transfer portal is open for sports lawyers.”

NFL’s Melbourne Opener Sparks Frenzy, Ticket Issues, Team Unease

Ticket demand far outstrips supply at the expansive Australian stadium.

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.

How Taylor Swift’s Catalog Led Her Former Label Boss Into Sports

Scott Borchetta profited greatly from the sale of Swift’s masters.
Jack Nicklaus speaks to media prior to the start of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on May 27, 2025.
March 27, 2026

Jack Nicklaus Re-Acquires Nicklaus Companies After Lawsuit

Nicklaus takes back ownership of marks like the iconic Golden Bear.
John and Louis Antonelli
exclusive
April 13, 2026

Chernin Group Leads Funding Round in Social Box Score App ‘Real’

The app combines live stats and play-by-play with a social media experience.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark dribbles up the court against Team USA during the WNBA All-Star Game at Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 20, 2024.
February 3, 2026

Fund Backing Women’s Sports Raises $250M and Counting

Jason Wright oversees a fund that has secured $250 million.
January 28, 2026

CVC’s New Sports Business Buys Into $300M Equestrian Company

Global Sport Group bought a controlling stake in Equine Network.
Puma store
January 27, 2026

China’s Anta Eyes World Domination With $1.8B Puma Deal

Anta is now the largest shareholder in both Puma and Amer Sports.
Jan 24, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd motions to his team during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center.
January 27, 2026

Jason Kidd Joins PE-Backed Youth Sports Company

The Mavericks coach is an equity holder and member of the board.