Leeds United are on the brink of securing new owners in the next few weeks, pending EFL approval. 49ers Enterprises have bought out the remaining shares from Andrea Radrizzani and will take sole control of the club.
The group is an investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers American Football franchise and as such is made up of a number of investors, with possibly a handful more set to join.
It was revealed this week three of golf's leading PGA Tour players were interested in investing and owning a part of the Whites, with other sports stars also involved. But just who are these sporting giants that could be part of a new era at Leeds?
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Rickie Fowler
One of three golfers behind the scenes in the American investment group, Fowler is part of the PGA tour and peaked as high as fourth in the official golf world rankings in 2016. Fowler has an estimated net worth of around $40 million.
Fowler has gone public about his excitement in being involved in the takeover. “It's cool to have these opportunities. I know we're looking into it, and it would be fun if we get to be a part of it.” He told Sky Sports News.
Justin Thomas
30-year-old Thomas has had a hugely successful career and won two golf majors – the PGA Championship twice – and has played in the Ryder Cup twice. Thomas, a former golf world number one, is 10th on the all-time PGA Tour’s earnings list – with an estimated net worth of $60 million.
Jordan Spieth
Probably the most famous of the trio and on paper the most successful, is the 29-year-old Spieth. Spieth has won three major Championships – The Masters and US Open in 2015 alongside the Open Championship in 2017. Ranking 7th on the PGA earners list, Spieth is estimated to have a net worth of over $120 million due to his significant deals with sponsors.
Larry Nance Jr
The first of two NBA players to feature behind the scenes of the takeover, Nance Jr is the son of Larry Nance – a three-time NBA all star – but Nance Jr has made a name for himself in the sport. Despite not winning any Championships, Nance Jr has played with the likes of LeBron James for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has an estimated net worth of $15 million.
The New Orleans Pelicans player has also tweeted about his admiration for the Whites supporters. “This club and its supporters deserve the world and we’ll do everything we can to give them just that. Marching on together!” Nance Jr said.
T.J. McConnell
McConnell has said he is ‘humbled and honoured’ to be a part of Leeds’ new ownership group. The current Indiana Pacers player has played 26 times in the NBA playoffs and is a former teammate of 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid. He has an estimated net worth of $5 million.
