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.
The team of 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, who were relegated to the Championship last season, compete with many clubs in the Premier League.
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 – who have just appointed Daniel Farke as boss – since November 2021 but their full takeover has now been approved by the EFL and they will take control from Andrea Radrizzani.
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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.”
Wrexham was bought by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney back in 2020 for £2million.
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The pair’s investment has been massive to the club as it managed to gain promotion back into the football league for the first time in 15 years.
The 49ers Enterprises is also backed by some of the biggest stars in sports who have invested in the group.
Michael Phelps
The Baltimore Bullet is the most decorated Olympian of all time and often hailed as the greatest swimmer ever.
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 on 39 occasions.
He has a reported net worth of £76million.
Jordan Spieth
The American golfing star has already enjoyed success in his career having won The Masters, the US Open and the Open Championship.
Spieth, 29, won the Masters in 2015 and got his hands on the much-desired green blazer.
His success on the course has seen him pick up an estimated £40million from prize winnings.
He has a reported net worth of £91m.
Justin Thomas
Spieth’s fellow American golfer won PGA Championship in 2017 and 2022.
Thomas, 30, joined the investment group with Spieth after Rickie Fowler dropped out.
He is worth a reported £38million.
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.
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 defenceman 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.
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.
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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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
