Statement made as Leeds United gain new $650m-plus multi-club investors — Leeds All Over 19/9/25
Kris Smith
Leeds United’s owners the 49ers Enterprises have been keen
to consistently grow their portfolio and open up the floor to new investments,
which has been confirmed this week.
United’s success in the Premier League this season is the
only way that the 49ers are going to see a swift return on their investment at
the club.
Survival in the top flight would mean huge potential for the
Whites to grow even further. In the meantime, the 49ers are clearly selling the
project very well to investors outside of the UK.
IDC Network confirm significant Leeds United and Deportivo
Cali investment alongside 49ers
On-field displays leave a lot of room for improvement at
both of the 49ers’ current ventures, Leeds and Rangers. However, they are still
looking to grow United with outside help. This has been confirmed by the latest
party to invest in the club, IDC Network.
An investment firm with roots in North America, Central
America and Europe boasting a venture capital arm with assets worth
$650million, IDC have confirmed their investment at Elland Road on LinkedIn.
“We are honoured to share our first two investments. In
Europe, we joined forces with 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the San
Francisco 49ers, to invest in Leeds United, known as ‘the sleeping giant of
European football.’
“Leeds recently returned to the Premier League, where its
grit and passion shone through. Under the leadership of Paraag Marathe and his
team, Leeds United embodies the values we deeply identify with: ‘Marching on
Together’ and ‘Side before self, every time’.”
Not only have they secured Elland Road investment, but they
also secured a likewise stake in Colombian side Deportivo Cali:
“In Latin America, we are proud to have secured an equally
meaningful investment in Asociación Deportivo Cali, Colombia. With a 112-year
history, a tradition of never being relegated, and a reputation as a powerhouse
in player development, Asociación Deportivo Cali offers enormous potential in
revenue optimisation and significant real estate opportunities around its
stadium and training grounds.
Leeds and Deportivo Cali aren’t the only clubs IDC are
investing in. They suggest a network of various sides that United will be
intertwined with.
“This is only the beginning,” their statement continues.
“IDC Sports will continue to build a complementary portfolio that captures both
these assets’ legacies and future growth. We look forward to this new era of
achievements across the sports vertical: for our clubs, our partners, our fans,
and our investors. Join us as we march forward together.”
49ers clearly want huge investment into Leeds United’s
project
On top of Red Bull already being involved along with several
high-profile celebrities, this is another major update.
It does nothing in the boardroom. Again, though, it secures
long-term investment at Elland Road to ensure cashflow throughout a
transitional period for the club.
Given the stadium expansion and hopes to consolidate, the
49ers clearly require more investment to help them.
With Red Bull and now IDC investing in other clubs, it’ll be
intriguing to see if we see any benefits to this multi-club investment.
