American golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have officially bought shares in Leeds United’s prospective owners 49ers Enterprises – but Rickie Fowler has pulled out.
Last month, it was revealed that American investment group 49ers Enterprises had agreed a £170m deal to buy out current Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani’s controlling stake in the club.
This was followed by news of the three top US golfers – Spieth, Thomas, and Fowler – investing in the group ahead of its purchase of the football club.
However, it’s now revealed that Fowler has decided against continuing with his investment following the club’s relegation from the Premier League to the EFL Championship.
“They renegotiated after relegation and it was possibly a better deal – as long as they can get promoted soon.“
JORDAN SPIETH
The investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers have held a stake in Leeds since 2018, initially 15% and then 44%.
It is thought that 49ers Enterprises had agreed a £400m deal to buy the club in full prior to relegation being confirmed. The value subsequently dropped to £170m.
The takeover has yet to be ratified by the English Football League.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Spieth commented, “Relegation wasn’t ideal, but we got involved with the 49ers group. 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. They renegotiated after relegation and it was possibly a better deal – as long as they can get promoted soon.
“It’s done, myself and Justin with a minority stake. The 49ers beat my [Dallas] Cowboys every year, so if you can’t beat them, join them. Rickie decided against it after relegation.”
It is thought that the US trio have become Leeds United fans due to a friendship with English golfer Matt Fitzpatrick’s caddie Billy Foster, who is from Yorkshire.
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