US golf stars Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas buy shares in 49ers group set to takeover Leeds… but Rickie Fowler opts out after the team’s relegation
- Golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas now have interests in English soccer
- The Americans have minority stakes in the 49ers group set to take over Leeds
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Former Open champion Jordan Spieth has confirmed he has invested in Leeds United with fellow American golfer Justin Thomas - but their Ryder Cup teammate Rickie Fowler has pulled out.
Spieth and Thomas have both purchased shares in the 49ers Enterprises, who have agreed a deal to take full control of the Championship club, subject to EFL approval.
‘Myself and Justin have a minority stake, but Rickie decided against it after relegation,’ three-time major winner Spieth told Sky Sports.
‘Relegation wasn’t ideal, but we got involved with the 49ers group about purchasing a larger share and getting in with them doing things so successfully as they do everywhere they’ve touched.
‘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.
Justin Thomas (L) and Jordan Spieth (C) have bought shares in the 49ers group which is in the process of taking over English soccer club Leeds United, while Rickie Fowler (R) pulled out.
Spieth, Thomas and Fowler with their wives Annie Verret, Jillian Wisniewski and Allison Stokke (left-right) at Wimbledon last weekend
‘I’m excited to have a team I’m emotionally invested in. I’ve watched the Premier League intently for a few years. Hopefully, we’ll be back very soon.’
Mail Sport revealed last month Rickie Fowler, Thomas and Spieth were set to become investors in the soccer team, although Fowler opted against the move.
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani reached an agreement to sell his stake in the club to 49ers Enterprises in June.
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has reached agreement to sell his stake to 49ers Enterprises
Leeds were relegated to the second-tier Championship at the end of the 2022-23 season.
‘The 49ers beat my (Dallas) Cowboys every year, so if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,’ Spieth added when asked about the deal, which will undergo checks by the English Football League.
New Orleans Pelicans basketball player Larry Nance Jr. had already confirmed he was ‘part of the ownership group’.
49ers Enterprises already own 44 percent of Leeds and are buying Radrizzani’s 56 percent majority stake, valuing the club at $221million. Their president, Paraag Marathe, will become the club’s new chairman.
