San Francisco 49ers officially buy stake in Leeds United

After some minor bean-spilling done by the 49ers, reports say that 49ers Enterprises have officially bought a stake in Leeds United. 49ers Enterprises is a branch of the American football San Francisco 49ers organization.

The 49ers investment is believed to be in the ~£10m ($13.3m) range, slightly higher than 10%. That ten mill will go straight into transfer funds, lord knows we need a few new faces. Along with the investment, the Niners are also putting Paraag Marathe, their President of 49ers Enterprises and executive Vice President of Football Operations, onto Leeds’ board of directors. Marathe joins Radz, Angus Kinnear, Ivan Bravo, and Andre Tegner as the fifth member of the board. Marathe has already talked to HC Paul Heckingbottom and his players.

This deal came together quickly, following a report that owner Andrea Radrizzani was in discussions to sell a share in Leeds, just a year after buying full control. That being said, Radz and Marathe are existing friends and have both visited each others venue in the past. Discussions between the two have reportedly been going on for the last few months; the 49er suits were even on hand for three games at Elland Road this past season.(sorry?)

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

This could end up being beneficial for both sides, as the 49ers and the NFL look to expand their platform onto the British market. Likewise, Leeds United will be looking to get their names out on the American market, too. Will Leeds United play a match at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara? Will the San Francisco 49ers come to Elland Road?

Owners across the NFL recently agreed to fine players for kneeling during the national anthem, a silent movement started by then-49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and former Green Beret Nate Boyer to protest racial inequality and police brutality. The players do, however, have an option to stay in the locker room if they so choose. 49ers CEO Jed York did abstain from the anthem policy vote.