In a historic move, Red Bull has acquired a minority ownership stake in Leeds United, marking the energy drink giant’s first foray into English football.
As part of the multi-year deal, Red Bull will also become the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor. While the financial details of the share acquisition remain undisclosed, this investment signals a significant boost for Leeds United’s ambitions.
Red Bull’s portfolio already includes top-tier clubs like RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, and Red Bull Bragantino, as well as interests in ice hockey, extreme sports, motorsports, and two Formula 1 teams, including the reigning champions, Red Bull Racing.
This move into English football is a strategic expansion for Red Bull, with Leeds United offering a promising platform for growth.
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe hailed the partnership as a “historic milestone” that will empower the club to reach its full competitive potential. Notably, unlike Red Bull’s other football clubs, Leeds United’s name and logo will remain unchanged.
The club has undergone significant ownership changes in recent times, with 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, acquiring a majority stake last summer.
Actors Russell Crowe and Will Ferrell, as well as several US sports stars, including golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, also hold stakes in the club.
Red Bull’s CEO of corporate projects and investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, emphasized that the company’s ambition aligns with Leeds United’s goal of returning to the Premier League and establishing themselves as a top-tier club.
The investment comes at a crucial time for Leeds United, following their Championship play-off final defeat to Southampton and the need to navigate financial challenges while adhering to profit and sustainability rules.
With Red Bull’s backing, Leeds United can now bolster their squad and launch a strong title challenge in the upcoming season, aiming to secure promotion back to the Premier League.