Jordan Spieth: Golfer confirms he is an investor in Leeds United with Justin Thomas as part of 49ers takeover
Golfing duo Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have confirmed they are part of the 49ers takeover of Leeds United; NBA star Russell Westbrook also involved with 49ers group; watch Leeds' first game of the Championship season at home to Cardiff live on Sky Sports on August 6
Saturday 15 July 2023 13:00, UK
Golfer Jordan Spieth has revealed Rickie Fowler has pulled out of the 49ers group about to takeover Leeds United due to the club's relegation to the Championship.
Spieth and fellow golf icon Justin Thomas have purchased shares in the 49ers group, subject to EFL checks.
NBA star Russell Westbrook said he has also bought shares in the 49ers group making the American another high-profile name to invest in the Championship side.
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The 34-year-old Los Angeles Clippers point guard said at a sports and entertainment summit held by Sportico: "I was lucky enough to have conversations with some of the partners in this deal, who already have ownership, the 49ers.
"So I was lucky enough to talk through that with friends, talking with my business partner as well about different things and having conversations, figuring out if this was the right deal and how we could make it different."
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News, Spieth said: "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.
"They [the 49ers] renegotiated after relegation and it was possibly a better deal - as long as they can get promoted [to Premier League] soon.
"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."
Asked about the status of the deal, with the takeover still subject to EFL checks, Spieth said: "It's done. Myself and Justin (Thomas) with a minority stake. The 49ers beat my Cowboys every year, so if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
"Rickie (Fowler) decided against it after relegation."
Leeds start season against Cardiff, live on Sky
Leeds United begin life back in the second tier at home on Sunday August 6, with Cardiff City travelling to Elland Road, live on Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, the Yorkshire derbies between Leeds and Huddersfield are scheduled for October 28 and March 2.
The regular Championship season concludes on Saturday May 4, with each match kicking-off simultaneously at 3pm. The play-off semi-finals will follow, though dates will be finalised for those fixtures closer to the time.
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Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports' digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.
