Kieran Maguire: Leeds United to piggyback on 49ers’ ‘fame’ as US mission on the cards
Leeds United can piggyback on the “fame” of co-owners the San Francisco 49ers to launch a commercial push in the United States.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about how Leeds’ links with the NFL outfit can help boost their bottom line.
The 49ers first bought into Leeds in May 2018 and have since increased their shareholding to 44 per cent.
Speaking on his podcast last Friday (7 October), Leeds journalist Phil Hay suggested that the club is likely to go the States for a pre-season tour next summer.
Jesse Marsch’s side flew out to Australia to prepare for the current campaign, but club officials and players were said to be dissatisfied with the standard of facilities.
Maguire suggests that the Whites could launch a new range of co-branded 49ers merchandise in tandem with a trip across the pond next summer.
“Leeds are a big club,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“They no doubt see that there are opportunities in relation to the US market. The close relationship the club has with the 49ers means Leeds could attract additional interest on the West Coast of the US.
“Having some joint-badged products could lead to additional merchandise revenues. They can also use the fame of the 49ers to attract further interest in Leeds.
“They have attracted further interest from their promotion to the Premier League and from the documentaries that have been shown on streaming services.“
In other news, Leeds United offering Jack Harrison “huge” pay hike to stay as double-your-money deal on the cards.