It is common to hear professional athletes investing in sports other than their own. Basketball legend Michael Jordan, owns a majority of the Charlotte Hornets. Tennis star Serena Williams is a part-owner of the famous Miami Dolphins. However, the same did not apply to Golf pros until now.

Recently the two most prominent names in golf Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, got on this trend as the first professional golfers announcing their investment in a different sport’s team, and this sent waves of excitement through the golf community.

When two worlds collide and golf meets soccer

Spieth and Thomas recently announced their investment as minority shareholders of Leeds United. The Professional English Soccer Club is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. It is in the process of acquisition by the San Franciso 49ers as of June 2023. The deal is yet to pass the English Football League’s Owners and Director’s test. Previously the 49ers owned 44% of the club, starting their investment in 2018 at 15%, and consequently increasing it in 2021. 

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The Chairman of Leeds United, Andrea Radrizzani, agreed to sell his remaining stakes in the club in June 2023. The share’s value stands at £170m ($212 million), and once owned by the 49ers, it will give them 100% control. 

Spieth told Sky Sports, England, “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, with 3 major wins, and Thomas, with 2, will join NBA’s Larry Nance Jr. and T.J. McConnell as minority partners. 

The missing amigo in the Leeds United Investment

Thomas and Spieth are in Britain for the upcoming Scottish Open this week, followed by the British Open at Royal Liverpool next week. In June 2023, golf icon Rickie Fowler, announced that he too was looking into investing in Leeds United with Spieth and Thomas. The five-time PGA Tour winner later pulled out of the investment race when the soccer club was relegated from the Premier League after finishing 19th in 2023.  

Fowler said, “There’s the group that’s moving forward so potentially we’ll be a part of it. It’s cool to have these opportunities. It would be fun if we get to be a part of it, if not we’ll continue to root for Leeds.”

Leeds United has won three League Championships, two Charity Shields, two inner-cities Fairs Cups, and one FA Cup. The club has a rich history and a loyal and passionate fanbase. When asked why he chose to invest even though Spieth is a Dallas Cowboys fan, he replied, “The 49ers beat my Cowboys every year, so if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” 

The investment news was met with mixed reactions from fans, with many claiming it to be a brave new venture. Others, however, did not express excitement about the investment opportunity. 

One believes that investment in an English soccer club is an excellent opportunity:

Others believe it is a good investment as well due to the state of the PGA Tour right now.

Some believe it to be a bad investment:

While others praised Fowler for backing out:

Some were curious to know the link between the choices:

What do you think about the investment? Is it the right step? Leave your thoughts in the comments down below.

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