49ers Enterprises acquired a majority stake in Leeds in June for around £170 million. (George Wood/Getty Images)

49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of NFL American football's San Francisco 49ers, has sold a minority stake in second-tier English soccer club Leeds United to US-based private equity firm Ackerley Partners, it has been reported.

Ackerley’s funds will be used to expand the Yorkshire-based side’s soccer and commercial operations, according to Bloomberg.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

49ers Enterprises acquired a majority stake in Leeds in June after agreeing a deal with previous owner Andrea Radrizzani’s Aser Ventures company.

The deal to purchase Radrizzani’s stake in the club was valued at £170 million ($213.1 million).

The 49ers and Leeds have been formally linked since January 2014 when the two organizations entered into a strategic partnership.

See Also:

The NFL team’s investment vehicle initially bought a 15% stake in Leeds in 2018 and increased this to 44% in 2021, with that deal including an option for 100% ownership by 2024.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Leeds are playing in the second-tier EFL Championship this season after being relegated from the top-flight Premier League last year.

Ackerly has notable sports figures like former NFL player Cliff Avril and motorsport driver James Dayson among its investors. 

Despite the arrival of Ackerly, the 49ers are reportedly still seeking further investors, with another minority stake potentially on offer.

Several high-profile sports athletes have joined Leeds’ new ownership group in recent months, including American golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas and NBA basketball star Russell Westbrook.

The 49ers group will soon look to begin work to redevelop parts of the team’s Elland Road stadium and are keen to expand the venue’s capacity.

Leeds are currently third in the Championship and seeking to make an instant return to the financial behemoth that is the Premier League.