Increased investment will mean larger presence from 49ers execs to help manage Leeds United's futureGETTY IMAGES
The 49ers have "increased their minority stake" in EPL club Leeds United as the team moves to "raise its global footprint," according to Elliott Almond of the San Jose MERCURY NEWS. 49ers Enterprises' investment has "more than doubled in the third year of a partnership" with Leeds Owner Andrea Radrizzani. The action involves a "larger presence from 49ers executives to help manage the EPL team’s future, including a more fan-friendly experience and developing commercial interests around Leeds stadium known as Elland Road." 49ers Enterprises President & Exec VP/Football Operations Paraag Marathe has been "promoted to vice chairman of Leeds." The 49ers "increased their stake from 15% to 37%." The 49ers bought a stake in the EPL club in '18, a year after Radrizzani became the principal owner. Marathe said that the 49ers had been "interested in Leeds for years." Marathe also said that he is "confident the 49ers’ past successes will translate overseas beyond the marketing and organizational side." He "did not rule out" one day being involved with MLS, though for now Leeds is the "primary focus" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 1/25). Marathe said, "Our investment two-and-a-half years ago was to dip our toes in the water. We really felt like Leeds had the bones of a powerful big global club and just from their global fan base and the supporter base and everything that they have" (AP, 1/25).
