Leeds United could land ‘huge’ deal after 49ers reveal – sources
Leeds United have a “huge” opportunity to tap into the US market through their ownership group over the coming years, sources have told Football Insider.
The CLV Group CEO Neil Joyce exclusively revealed to Football Insider he is keen to see how Leeds will look to capitalise on the various opportunities presented to them via 49ers Enterprises.
The investment arm of the San Fransisco 49ers purchased a 15-per-cent stake in the Yorkshire giants in 2018 before increasing their share to 44 per cent in 2021.
The group then completed its £170million takeover in July last year, bringing former owner Andrea Radrizzani’s six-year reign at Elland Road to an end.
The 49ers are the third-most successful team in the history of the NFL after winning five Super Bowls, while they are also one of the best-supported teams across the US.
Joyce told Football Insider Leeds have a unique opportunity to work on some creative content with the NFL side, who have more than 12 million followers on social media, as they look to grow their own fanbase.
Leeds United could use 49ers links to boost fanbase
The CLV Group estimates there to be up to £860million on offer to European clubs in additional revenue ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico.
There is also believed to be 36.5 million football fans across the US who are undecided about which European team they want to support.
Although Leeds’ Championship status puts them at a disadvantage to some of their rival clubs, their 49ers links can still work in their favour.
Joyce told Football Insider a large proportion of those millions of undecided fans have a strong affiliation with the NFL, opening up opportunities for the west Yorkshire side to tap into through collaborations with the 49ers.
The takeover has also seen some major figures invest in Leeds, with actors Will Ferrell and Russell Crowe as well sports stars Michael Phelps, Jordan Spieth and Larry Nance Jr all making up part of 49ers Enterprises.
But there are some high-level businessmen involved in the day-to-day running of matters at Elland Road as they look to help the club plot a route back to the Premier League.
Football Insider revealed on 24 July Andrew Schwartzberg and Eugene Schneur have joined Leeds’ board after Rudy Cline-Thomas stepped down from his role as vice-chairman.
American businessman Schwartzberg, who has been appointed as the new vice-chairman, is part of the ownership group that holds a majority stake in NBA franchise Charlotte Hornets.
49ers Enterprises was also recently joined in its venture by Red Bull after the soft drinks company purchased a minority stake in Leeds, with its logo featuring on the front of the club’s shirts this season.
In other news, Leeds ‘confident’ of securing three deals.
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