Leeds United’s minority stake in the club was sold to NHL side Seattle Kraken’s investor, Ackerley Partners, according to 49ers Enterprises this week.
After being relegated from the Premier League in May, the 49ers have done very well to settle things down at Elland Road and actually turn Leeds into a very prosperous club for the future, all in less than six months.
On-field performance is important, but the boardroom looks far stronger than it did when Andrea Radrizzani was in charge, and long may it continue in the right direction.
What has been reported about Ackerley Partners’ investment in Leeds?
Bloomberg reported on Monday that Ackerley Partners, an investment group from NHL side Seattle Kraken, is acquiring a minority stake in Elland Road.
It is claimed that the investment will be made to increase the club’s working capital:
According to a statement obtained by Bloomberg, “Ackerley Partners, a private holding company for the Ackerley family that also owns a stake in the Seattle Kraken, purchased a minority stake in Leeds United.” Ackerley Partners stated that it will provide “strategic capital to expand the club’s football and commercial operations.”
What does this mean for Leeds?
The 49ers have been enlisting the help of outside investment to ensure Leeds can grow as a club both on and off the pitch since taking control.
While the sums aren’t huge, it’s extremely timely to see this type of investment confirmed just over a month before the new year, when the club could use another injection of quality in signings.
The report also includes a statement from the 49ers about the overall goal of promotion, emphasising that any investment is to help that goal of returning to the Premier League:
“At the end of the season, three teams are promoted to England‘s top tier.” Leeds are currently in third place, with the top two teams guaranteed promotion and the third to sixth-placed teams participating in a play-off process. The Premier League earns more than £100 million per club per season, which is significantly more than the second tier.”
The Ackerley group coming in may not mean we sign a left-back and a number 10, but having that extra financial help could be just what the 49ers need heading into 2024.
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