Leeds United is a professional football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. The club competes in English football and plays its home matches at Elland Road, one of the most iconic stadiums in the country.
Founded in 1919, Leeds United is known for its passionate fan base, historic domestic success, and strong footballing identity. The club has won multiple English league titles and has a rich history in European competitions.
As of recent seasons, Leeds United operates as a privately held football club rather than a publicly traded company.
Ownership Status of Leeds United
Leeds United is not publicly traded. The club is majority owned by 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers.
In July 2023, 49ers Enterprises completed a full takeover of Leeds United by acquiring the remaining shares, making them the sole majority owners of the club.
Major Shareholders
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 49ers Enterprises | ~100% | Completed full takeover in July 2023 |
| Andrea Radrizzani | 0% | Former owner; fully exited ownership |
Note: Prior to 2023, Leeds United had minority stakes held by previous ownership groups, but the club is now fully controlled by 49ers Enterprises.
Key Ownership Highlights
Leeds United’s ownership under 49ers Enterprises represents a shift toward long-term institutional sports investment.
Key points include:
- 49ers Enterprises is chaired by Paraag Marathe, who also serves as Chairman of Leeds United.
- The ownership group focuses on financial stability, infrastructure development, and sustainable sporting success.
- Their experience in managing major sports franchises has influenced Leeds United’s commercial growth and global branding strategy.
This ownership model emphasizes professional management rather than individual control.
Recent Developments in Ownership
Recent ownership-related developments include:
- July 2023 – 49ers Enterprises completed the acquisition of all remaining shares, becoming the sole owner of Leeds United.
- Following the takeover, leadership and board-level structures were reorganized to align with the group’s long-term football strategy.
- The ownership group has publicly stated its commitment to returning the club to the Premier League and strengthening squad investment.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of Leeds United?
Leeds United is owned by 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers.
2. Is Leeds United publicly traded or privately owned?
Leeds United is privately owned and does not trade on any stock exchange.
3. Who founded Leeds United?
Leeds United was founded in 1919 following the disbanding of Leeds City FC.
4. Who was the previous owner of Leeds United?
The club was previously owned by Andrea Radrizzani, who sold his remaining stake to 49ers Enterprises in 2023.
5. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. The most significant change occurred in 2023, when 49ers Enterprises completed a full takeover of the club.
There is no single individual owner of Leeds United. Instead, the club is fully owned by 49ers Enterprises, a U.S.-based sports investment group with experience in elite professional sports. Since completing their takeover in 2023, the group has focused on long-term growth, stability, and competitive success.