Kieran Maguire: Leeds could become ‘big deal’ in US after Radrizzani’s new 49ers hint
Leeds United could become a “big deal” in the United States through a merchandising tie-in with San Franciso 49ers.
So says finance expert Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the partnership between Leeds and the NFL outfit.
The 49ers increased their stake in Leeds to 44 per cent earlier this month in their fourth round of investment since 2018.
Speaking to Cheddar News on 19 November, Andrea Radrizzani talked up the 49ers’ “expertise in merchandising” among other areas.
Five days earlier, the Leeds owner posted a photograph on Twitter of a recent meeting with 49ers president Paraag Marathe in San Franciso.
Cross-sport merchandise deals such as PSG’s tie-in with Air Jordan, Michael Jordan’s Nike brand, have proved phenomenally successful in recent times.
Maguire speculates that Leeds could expand their influence across the pond through a retail partnership with 49ers.
“There is no downside to a merchandising tie-in,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.
“Leeds could bring out an NFL-style jersey with a shared badge, or something like that. You can see that would have some appeal to fans of both clubs.
“Similarly, if the 49ers want to start selling soccer jerseys as part of their merchandising range, that could be financially beneficial too.
“There is no MLS team in San Francisco so there is scope there. Leeds could become a big deal in San Franciso. It is a big city and there is potential there.”
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