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.
