- Hollywood A-lister Will Ferrell has reportedly bought a minority stake in the EFL Championship’s Leeds United.
- Ferrell is currently part-owner of the MLS club Los Angeles FC.
- The Emmy Award winner joins Russell Crowe as an investor in Leeds United.
Three-time Emmy Award winner Will Ferrell has reportedly added another sports investment to his growing portfolio. The Los Angeles FC co-owner has purchased a minority, though significant, stake in English soccer club, Leeds United.
Leeds United participates in the EFL Championship, the second-highest ranked league in England. The club was relegated from the Premier League to the EFL Championship following a 7-10-21 campaign in 2022-23, but has a shot at returning through the playoffs this year.
Majority owner’s 49ers Enterprise finalized an agreement in a £170 takeover deal. The same company also owns the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. The California connections continue to grow with Ferrell’s move to buy into the soccer club.
Russell Crowe was reportedly interested in buying Leeds United outright roughly a decade ago. The Australian Hollywood star recently disclosed that he bought a ‘little bit’ of the club, but was a phone call away in about 2014 from being the outright owner.
Anchorman Star Falls In Love With Leeds
According to recent sports, Ferrell made up his mind and purchased a stake after falling in love with Leeds United. Last season, on a trip to England, the actor told Sky Sports he was interested in English soccer.
“I don’t really have a side over here — I just enjoy following all the storylines — it’s obviously a very good league,” Ferrell said.
Ferrell was spotted at a variety of matches, including Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa. Before watching Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham beat Wealdstone, he was spotted in a pub enjoying pints. It was his first time in Wrexham, but the experience apparently made an impression.
One year later, an announcement is reportedly imminent of Ferrell’s investment. An insider from The Sun revealed that an official announcement is coming this week.
“The 49ers will be announcing his involvement in the coming days, and he’s looking forward to sprinkling a little stardust on the club,” the source said. “He loves soccer and has been particularly impressed by the passion of the English game. And his aim now is to see Leeds back where they belong — in the Premier League. As far as Will and the 49ers are concerned, this is a serious investment opportunity.”
Note that while the investment is being described as large, sources claim he will only have a minority share in Leeds United. According to BBC Radio, Ferrell will not have a role in decision-making.
Ferrell Joins Growing List of Celebrities Investing In English Soccer
Ferrell is one of a slew of sports stars and celebrities who have bought into English soccer clubs. As well as Crowe and Reynolds, Tom Brady, Rob McElhenney, LeBron James, and Elton John have a stake, among others, in teams.
Brady is one of the latest athletes to dip his toe into the industry. In August 2023, Brady announced he purchased a minority stake in Birmingham City FC.
Criticized on Netflix’s The Roast of Tom Brady over the club’s recent failure, Birmingham City FC was relegated from the EFL Championship to the third-tier English Football League One.
Ferrell joins a Leeds squad finding some success in the Championship. After being relegated, Leeds United boasts a record of 27-9-10 with the third most points recorded in the regular season.
