PGA Tour stars Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have joined the San Francisco 49ers owners’ bid to purchase Leeds United.
The golf duo appear set to follow NFL legend JJ Watt in owning an English football club after the Houston Texans icon and three-time Defensive Player of the Year became a stakeholder in Burnley, who clinched promotion back to the Premier League. Leeds will look to return to the top flight following relegation to the Championship, where they will compete in the 2023/24 season.
Last month, it was confirmed an agreement had been reached for 49ers Enterprises - the owners of the iconic NFC West franchise - to become the new owners of Leeds, despite their relegation. Andrea Radrizzani has been the owner at Elland Road since 2017, and he has been seeking further investment in recent years.
He struck a deal to sell to 49ers Enterprises for £400million but relegation led to fresh negotiations for a new price, with the buyer reportedly now valuing the club at £170m. The group have owned 44 percent of Leeds since November 2021, with the majority set to be purchased from Radrizzani.
Spieth and Thomas have now joined the 49ers consortium as investors, although close friend Rickie Fowler has pulled out of the deal. Spieth revealed he was excited by the prospect of owning the English football club given he enjoys the sport and often watches Premier League action.
“It's done. Myself and Justin (Thomas) with a minority stake,” Spieth said regarding the deal with Leeds, according to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie. “The 49ers beat my Cowboys every year, so if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
“They (49ers) renegotiated after relegation and it was possibly a better deal - as long as they can get promoted soon. I'm excited to have a team I'm emotionally invested in. I've watched The Premier League intently for a few years. Hopefully we'll be back there very soon.”
Spieth, Thomas and Fowler were seen enjoying tennis’ Wimbledon Championships ahead of The 151st Open, which tees off at Royal Liverpool next week. Spieth hoped he could see Elland Road while travelling north but didn’t before speaking of his excitement regarding the project.
“It was cloudy on the flight up (from London - at Wimbledon),” Spieth added. “We were hoping we'd see the stadium on the way up but we couldn't. I was thinking we're not too far from Liverpool (at The Open) next week. I don't know if it'll work on this trip but I hope to get there.
“We thought it would be a cool opportunity. It's a big city, historic club, great venue in Elland Road, and once we looked into it we realised it could be really exciting.”
The takeover of Leeds by the 49ers Enterprise remains subject to EFL checks.
