The EFL has approved the sale of Leeds United Football Club to 49ers Enterprises – the strategic arm of the San Francisco 49ers focused on investments in teams, leagues and other sports properties – paving the way for the immediate transition of ownership.
Paraag Marathe, previously vice chairman and board member of the club, will take over as Leeds United chairman. In this role, Marathe will oversee all aspects of the club, including football and business operations, and drive the strategy to fight for promotion back to the Premier League in the 2023-2024 season.
Marathe takes over from Andrea Radrizzani, who has been majority owner of Leeds United since 2017.
Angus Kinnear, CEO of Leeds United and board member, will remain in his current position, and continue to direct the club’s day-to-day operations.
Rudy Cline-Thomas, founder and managing partner of MASTRY, will join the board as co-owner and vice chairman of the club.
“This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are already hard at work,” said Marathe. “This transition is a necessary reset to chart a new course for the club.
“We have already appointed a highly-respected first team manager with a track record of success, and we are confident Leeds will field a competitive squad to contend for promotion next season. It’s a privilege to carry this torch as I know we have a responsibility to ensure this club makes our staff, players, supporters, and the Leeds and Yorkshire communities proud.”
Cline-Thomas added: “With my family hailing from Leeds, it’s an honour to be able to uplift this incredible community. This is more than just an opportunity, it’s a personal mission. The chance to reinvigorate the cherished Leeds culture, to create a platform that attracts the world’s finest players, and build a truly global brand that celebrates diversity, is a prospect that thrills me.”
49ers Enterprises, led by Marathe and 49ers CEO Jed York, has steadily supported and increased its investment in Leeds United over the past five years. Moving forward, the group will look to enhance all aspects of the club both on and off the pitch.
Marathe, Kinnear, and the club recently announced the appointment of Daniel Farke as first team manager. The club’s leadership has also been laying the groundwork to build a successful squad by retaining key players from last season’s team as well as bringing in new talent.
“49ers Enterprises is bringing fresh leadership, management, and a commitment to investment, which I’m confident will meet our ambition to compete for promotion and remain in the top flight as an established Premier League Club,” said Kinnear. “I know Paraag, Rudy and 49ers Enterprises will keep supporters central to their plans during their custodianship and I am excited to work in realising the true potential of this great club.”
Radrizzani said: “It has been an honour to guide Leeds United over the last six years and to spend so much time with the best fanbase in the world. 49ers Enterprises have been fantastic partners for years and I’m confident they will take Leeds to the next level.”
