LEEDS have been taken over in a stunning £170million Wrexham-style buyout.
It is the latest English club to be run by American sports stars and celebrities, including the likes of golf’s Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas as well as Olympic legend Michael Phelps.
GettyLeeds have been taken over by 49ers Enterprises[/caption]
GettyOlympic icon Michael Phelps one of the investors in 49ers Enterprises[/caption]
GettyParaag Marathe is the new chairman of Leeds[/caption]
The investors are valued at a stunning £4.79bn by Forbes making it the 11th richest sports entity in the world.
This financial backing could see the Yorkshire side be able to compete with many clubs in the Premier League after it was bought for £170m.
The 49ers Enterprises is the investment arm of the NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers.
They had held a 44 per cent share of Leeds United since November 2021 but their full takeover has now been approved by the EFL and the club will come into their control from Andrea Radrizzani.
Leeds’ new chairman Paraag Marathe and 49ers Enterprises president said in the announcement of the takeover: “This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are already hard at work.
“This transition is a necessary reset to chart a new course for the club. We have already appointed a highly-respected manager with a track record of success, and we are confident Leeds will field a competitive squad to contend for promotion next season.
“It’s a privilege to carry this torch as I know we have a responsibility to ensure this club makes our staff, players, supporters, and the Leeds and Yorkshire communities proud.”
The 49ers Enterprises is also backed by some of the biggest stars in sports who have invested in the group.
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Michael Phelps
The most decorated Olympian of all time is one of the investors in the 49ers Enterprises.
The Baltimore Bullet has often been hailed as the best ever swimmer.
Phelps, 38, took part in five Olympic Games before retiring at the end of Rio 2016 winning an incredible 23 gold medals during his time.
The American has also set world record times in the pool on 39 occasions during his career.
He has a reported net worth of £76million.
Spieth, 29, won the Masters in 2015 and got his hands on the much-desired green blazer.
Times Newspapers LtdPhelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time[/caption]
Jordan Spieth
The American golfing star has already enjoyed success in his career having won The Masters and two other majors.
His success on the course has seen him pick up an estimated £40million from prize winnings.
He has a reported net worth of £91m.
ReutersJordan Spieth is another investor[/caption]
Justin Thomas
Another American golfer, Thomas has won two major honours in his career as he achieved success in the PGA Championships in 2017 and 2022.
Thomas, 30, joined the investment group with Spieth after Rickie Fowler dropped out.
He is worth a reported £38million.
GettyJustin Thomas is another golf star involved with the 49ers Enterprises[/caption]
Larry Nance Jr.
Basketball star Nance Jr is also an investor in the 49ers Enterprises.
During his career, the 30-year-old has featured for the LA Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Pelicans.
He reacted to the news of the successful takeover on Twitter as he wrote: “ALL LEEDS ARENT WE”.
He has a reported net worth of £11m.
GettyLarry Nance Jr posted his excitement on social media[/caption]
Erik Johnson
Stanley Cup winner in 2022, the Ice Hockey ace has also invested in the 49ers Enterprises.
Johnson, 35, has featured for the likes of the St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche.
The defenseman is currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres and is an international with the USA team.
Johnson is worth a reported £4.58million.
Myles Jack
The current NFL free agent, Jack was at the Jacksonville Jaguars for four seasons between 2016 and 2020.
After two years without a team he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year contract in 2022.
However he was only at the team for a year before he was released in March.
During the 27-year-old’s time at Jacksonville, he signed a contract worth £43million with £25m of it guaranteed.
His reported net worth is £3.82m.
Jack is another American sportsman invested in the 49ers EnterprisesUSA TODAY Sports
Paraag Marathe
The new chairman of Leeds United has been a leader in the sports industry for over two decades.
Marathe has been the vice-chairman and a member of the club’s board for the past two years.
He is also the president for the NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers and during his time in the role he oversaw the development of Levi’s Stadium.
He is reportedly worth £170million.
GettyMarathe led the takeover and has been at Leeds since 2021[/caption] Read More