What we know about Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas’ interest in buying Leeds
In the latest sporting crossover, the three golf stars are considering a move for the West Yorkshire club which currently plays in England’s Championship.
Following the recent Ryan Reynolds-inspired revolution at Wrexham AFC, it seems yet another English soccer club is in line to be taken over by individuals from outside of the game. In this case, they hail from the world of golf.
Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth set sights on Leeds United
According to reports, a high-profile trio of golfers have now expressed an interest in investing in Leeds United Football Club which was recently taken over by 49ers Enterprises. As per reports, Rickie Fowler along with Justin Thomas, and Jordan Spieth are currently in the process of buying stakes in the club which was relegated from England’s Premier League this past season. Speaking with the media ahead of the 2023 US Open, Fowler explained that while talks were in the final stages they were not yet part owners of the club.
“There’s the group that’s moving forward with being involved with Leeds. Myself, JT [Thomas], and Jordan [Spieth], so potentially we’ll be a part of it.” Incidentally, this isn’t actually the first we’ve heard of it as Jordan Spieth was seen making the well-known Leeds Salute along with Matt Fitzpatrick’s caddie, Billy Foster, during the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play back in March. If you didn’t know, Foster is a huge fan of Leeds such that Fowler was asked directly if Foster had anything to do with the expressed interest in investing in the club. “He[Foster] didn’t know about it from the start. But we told him after knowing he is a huge Leeds United supporter. It’s cool to have those opportunities. I know we are looking into it. It will be fun if we get to be a part of it. If not, we will continue to root for Leeds to see if we can help out Billy.”
What’s the situation with Leeds United right now?
As mentioned above, LUFC was relegated from England’s Premier League following a rather poor 2022–23 season, something which Fowler acknowledged before alluding to the massive opportunity that presents itself, with the sport continuing to grow in popularity stateside.
“Obviously they got relegated, but to be able to go to a Premier League game, Champions League. I feel like, obviously you call it football over there, we call it soccer here…it’s a massive sport. I feel like it’s continuing to get bigger in the States, but still, since I haven’t been to a game I don’t have the true appreciation until I’ve actually been able to go and be there and feel that energy.”