Leeds United news: San Francisco 49ers weigh up sale in mega £715m reveal
Leeds United owners San Francisco 49ers are exploring the option to rake in a few hundred million at the valuation £7.15billion.
The NFL giants, owned by The York Family, are weighing up the deal which potentially could make the California-based franchise one of the world’s most expensive sports teams.
They completed the full takeover of Leeds back in 2023, buying the club off Andrea Radrizzani, who was then the majority shareholder.
San Francisco 49ers’ owners are willing to sell a 10 per cent stake
Bloomberg reported on 19 February that the 49ers are weighing up selling a 10 per cent stake in the NFL team.
They value the American Football franchise at $9billion (7.15billion) which means they are looking to rake in £715million.
As things stand, it is still unclear if the Americans will be seeking a private equity firm to buy the stake or look at a wealthy individual or family.
Currently, deliberations are ongoing and there are no guarantees that a sale will take place.
| Team | Matches | Points |
| 1. Leeds United | 33 | 72 |
| 2. Sheffield United | 33 | 70 |
| 3. Burnley | 33 | 65 |
| 4. Sunderland | 33 | 62 |
| 5. Blackburn Rovers | 33 | 51 |
Leeds United unlikely to be impacted by San Francisco 49ers’ plans
Leeds are unlikely to be negatively impacted by this development as it could be a purely business-centric decision that has nothing to do with the Elland Road outfit.
If anything, the funds could even benefit the Whites indirectly if reinvested into the club, supporting infrastructure, transfers or academy development.
The club’s day-to-day operations and competitive goals in the English football pyramid remain insulated from this NFL-focused transaction, as it doesn’t dilute the 49ers’ 100% ownership of the football club.
Instead, this could strengthen Leeds’ position by showcasing the financial clout and ambition of their owners, who are positioning the 49ers among the world’s most valuable sports teams.
Attracting private equity or wealthy investors to the 49ers might also bring networking opportunities or expertise that could trickle down to the Whites, enhancing their commercial prospects without disrupting their on-pitch focus.
Currently, their priority will be on securing promotion back to the Premier League and benefiting from the financial gain that comes with it.
Leeds’ valuation would also undoubtedly increase should they become a top-flight club again and establish themselves there.