Leeds United scores new investment deal with NFL side the San Francisco 49ers

Leeds United has announced a new partnership with 49ers Enterprises, an investment entity affiliated with NFL side the San Francisco 49ers.

49ers Enterprises, which will become a minority investor in Leeds United, has partnered with existing majority shareholder and Leeds United Club Chairman Andrea Radrizzani.

The funds invested will remain inside Leeds and will go towards investment in the first team squad.

The collaboration is part of a wider business alliance between Leeds United’s parent company, Aser, and 49ers Enterprises.

Radrizzani said:“This strategic partnership enables Leeds United to align with and gain invaluable expertise from the owners of one of the biggest global sports entities.

“The 49ers are an innovative, successful organisation and we are delighted to have access to such a rich source of business and sporting expertise. This exciting partnership builds on the foundations we have laid down at the Club in the last 12 months and we can assure supporters that the funds invested will go towards improving results on the pitch.”

Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and executive vice president of football operations, has assumed a seat on the Leeds United Board of Directors.

Radrizzani added: “I am particularly pleased to welcome Paraag to the Leeds United board. Paraag comes with a wealth of experience. We look forward to working with him and learning from his deep understanding of a sporting giant.”

Marathe also commented: “It is truly an honour to be invited to join the board of a football club as storied as Leeds United. I share the vision that Andrea has for returning Leeds United to greatness.

“I believe that the knowledge and experience we bring to the table combined with the hard work being done by Andrea and his talented team will make that vision a reality.”

Leeds United will also benefit from the business expertise of 49ers Enterprises in areas including ticketing strategies, sponsorship and commercial opportunities, stadium development, technology, retail and merchandising, and sport development and training.

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