Leeds United owners 49ers Enterprises have added a new investor to their syndicate, creating an indirect link to South American football through their growing multi-club strategy.
49ers Enterprises took full control of Leeds United in 2023. Since then, the group has aggressively pursued opportunities in the multi-club ownership model. They sold a minority stake in Leeds to global football powerhouse Red Bull and, alongside American businessman Andrew Cavenagh, completed a takeover of Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.
£1 Billion Valuation Target for Leeds United
According to TBR Football, the 49ers are targeting a £1 billion valuation for Leeds United within three years, provided the club secures Premier League survival this season. Functioning much like a private equity firm, the ultimate goal of 49ers Enterprises is to deliver returns for their group of limited partners.
The investor base is diverse, ranging from Leeds executives like Paraag Marathe, Peter Lowy, and Rudy Cline-Thomas, to high-profile celebrity backers such as Michael Phelps, Will Ferrell, and Russell Crowe.
IDC Network Joins Leeds United Investment
This week, U.S.-headquartered private equity firm IDC Network announced a strategic investment in Leeds United through a new vehicle, IDC Sports and Entertainment, further strengthening the financial foundations at Elland Road.
“We joined forces with 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers,” said IDC Sports, “to invest in Leeds United, known as ‘the sleeping giant of European football.’
“Leeds recently returned to the Premier League, where its grit and passion shone through. Under the leadership of Paraag Marathe and his team, Leeds United embodies the values we deeply identify with: ‘Marching on Together’ and ‘Side before self, every time.’”
The addition of IDC Sports underlines 49ers Enterprises’ ambition to grow Leeds into a global football brand while continuing to build value for investors. With links now stretching from the Premier League to Scotland and South America, Leeds are becoming a key player in the multi-club ownership era.
