Leeds United’s focus is on earning promotion into the Premier League this 2024-25 season, but another aspect could be tapping into the American market, considering its majority owner is based in the United States.
Moreover, the Whites have welcomed high-profile minority investors such as actor Will Ferrell, actor Russell Crowe, golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.
Recently, it’s become clear how much attention a football club can gain when connected to Hollywood stars or famous athletes. Wrexham is a perfect example of this trend, and Leeds could experience something similar.
Football finance expert Dan Plumley notes that while it’s challenging to quantify the exact impact of Ferrell’s presence at Leeds United, he believes it has certainly put the spotlight on Daniel Farke’s team and helped them connect with a broader audience.
“The fact that those clips are shared far and wide on social media, we know that for people that follow celebrities and that kind of culture, it has some implications there as well,” Plumley recently said. “You’re putting your club in the spotlight without having to do too much so it’s a good exposure and PSR piece for sure.
“It’s difficult to measure what that looks like financially, but we know that it has an impact so it can only be a positive if you’ve got that celebrity influence and the advice is leverage that where you can. Especially with that American market and how they view sport and entertainment as well.”
Leeds United could tap into the United States market
Plumely isn’t the only one who believes Leeds can reach a greater audience. CLV Group CEO Neil Joyce told Football Insider that the celebrity aspect of the Championship club’s ownership could play a key role in attracting new fans.
Joyce mentioned that golfers like Thomas and Spieth, both former world number ones, can help the Yorkshire club expand into a new sporting area. He also believes Ferrell’s presence can boost Leeds’ profile and create chances to connect creatively with new fans in the US.
However, the biggest challenge is still Leeds not being in England’s top flight. Joyce emphasizes that the club needs to compete in the Premier League to fully realize the potential of these opportunities in the US.
