San Francisco 49ers increase stake in Leeds United

The Leeds United partnership with the San Francisco 49ers continues as the NFL franchise increase their ownership stake to 44%. After buying a 15% stake in 2018, the 49ers have continuously strengthened their position within the club, increasing their stake in late January this year to 37%.

It’s important to note how this deal has been reported too: the YEP said:

“The financial backers of NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers have increased their stake in Leeds United to 44 per cent.“

It’s not just 49ers Enterprises that have a hand in Leeds United, as revealed in their last stake increase. Chad Hurley, co-founder of YouTube and stake-owner of the Golden State Warriors, also has a hand in the American investment, as do other unnamed backers.

The YEP spoke with Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear:

“We are delighted to see Aser Ventures strengthen their partnership with 49ers Enterprises who have clearly been impressed by the quality of the project,” he said.

“Aser Ventures and Chairman Andrea Radrizzani remain unequivocally committed to the club, whilst all those involved with the 49ers are actively working with our management team on a daily basis to help to drive us forward, putting us in a strong position to achieve our goals in the coming years.”

As we’ve known, the 49ers are looking to get involved in the long-term development of the club, including stadium extensions to 55,000 seats. But now, the team are having a tough go of it, sitting just above the relegation zone after 10 matches, and investment could be useful in the January market.

In the long-term, could the 49ers end up taking over a majority stake? Their new 44% ownership is almost as far as they could possibly go before attempting to take over from Aser Ventures and Andrea Radrizzani. Only time will tell.