Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas to Become Minority Investors in Leeds United

The golfers joined a consortium led by a group associated with the San Francisco 49ers.
Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas to Become Minority Investors in Leeds United
Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas to Become Minority Investors in Leeds United /

American golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have spent a lot of time in England recently — and not just for Wimbledon or in anticipation of the looming British Open

Spieth and Thomas are set to invest in Leeds United in England's Championship, joining an American-based ownership group associated with the 49ers.

"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 realized it could be really exciting," Spieth told Sky Sports in England.

Andrea Radrizzani, the Italian media magnate who took control of the team in May 2017, agreed in June to sell his shares in the team to San Francisco's investment arm. Leeds United climbed as high as ninth in the Premier League in 2021 under Radrizzani's stewardship but was relegated to the Championship after finishing 19th in 2023.

"It's done. Myself and Justin with a minority stake. The 49ers beat my Cowboys every year, so if you can't beat 'em, join 'em," Spieth said. "Rickie (Fowler) decided against (investing) after relegation."

Leeds United opens its 2024 season against Cardiff City on Aug. 6.


Published
Patrick Andres
PATRICK ANDRES

Patrick Andres is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in December 2022, having worked for The Blade, Athlon Sports, Fear the Sword and Diamond Digest. Andres has covered everything from zero-attendance Big Ten basketball to a seven-overtime college football game. He is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism with a double major in history .