James Murray

Thu 3 April 2025 15:56, UK

49ers Enterprises has received the backing of Leeds United fans since completing its takeover almost two years ago. 

The investment arm of the San Fransisco 49ers purchased a 15 per cent stake in the Yorkshire giants in 2018 before increasing its share to 44 per cent in 2021. 

The group, which is spearheaded by Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe, then completed its £170million takeover in July 2023, bringing former owner Andrea Radrizzani’s six-year reign at Elland Road to an end. 

There have been various challenges for the 49ers to navigate on and off the field, with a bloated wage bill and players pushing for an exit following their relegation from the Premier League in 2023. 

Several stars moved on – many of which activated loan clauses in their contracts – but Daniel Farke still put a squad together capable of fighting for promotion. 

They missed out on an instant return to the top flight last season after suffering Wembley heartache in the play-off final against Southampton. 

Leeds posted a record-breaking revenue for the Championship in 2023-24 despite their latest accounts revealing their overall turnover fell from £189.7million in 2022-23 to £127.6million. 

Leeds face signing blow after £140m+ reveal

Although there is reason for encouragement after Leeds’ revenue remained strong, their heavy losses have caused concern among some of the supporters.

The club’s losses increased from £33.7million to £60.8million last season as they continue to toe the financial fair play (FFP) line.

Under the Premier League’s PSR rules, top-flight clubs are allowed to lose £105million – or £35million a season – over a rolling three-year period, with that cap dropping to £13million a year in the Championship. 

The Athletic reported on 2 April Leeds fell between £15-20million under the PSR limit in 2023-24 after they were permitted to add back certain allowable costs. 

However, they still owed £142million in transfer fees to other clubs at the end of last season as a result of deals completed during the Radrizzani era, rasing questions among supporters about how – and when – those debts will be paid.

That appears to have impacted their dealings over the past couple of years, with the club spending £38.2million on transfers in 2023-24 and around £25million this season.

If Leeds are promoted back to the Premier League next month, they could be forced to pay back a large portion of those outstanding payments before significantly strengthening their squad. 

Therefore, Farke may have to operate under a restricted transfer budget again this summer as the 49ers continue to work through the financial challenges at Elland Road. 

But there could be scope for smart, low-risk signings after the club managed to cut their wage bill from £145.9million in 2022-23 to £84million last season, handing them flexibility on wages if they return to the top flight.

Leeds fans fume after ticket price hike

There has been plenty of frustration among the Leeds fans after season ticket prices have been announced for next season.

Leeds have confirmed a significant ticket price hike, with some adult rates rising by up to 14 per cent.

If Farke’s side remain in the Championship next season, an adult ticket will increase from a starting point of £18.87 per game to £21.52 for the 23 matches.

Meanwhile, a return to the Premier League will see prices rise to £26.05 per game for the 19 fixtures, with the lowest-priced adult season ticket increasing from £434 this season to £495 for 2025-26.

Leeds currently sit second in the Championship table, but they are level on points with third-place Burnley heading into the final seven games of the campaign.

For more Leeds United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.