Last month, Leeds United announced thrilling changes to Elland Road, including plans to increase the stadium’s capacity as part of their upgrade initiative.
Elland Road has been home to Leeds since 1919 and was purchased by Greenfield Investment Pte Ltd in 2004, which was part of the same parent company as the club at the time.
In March 2024, ownership of Elland Road Limited was transferred back to Leeds United Football Club Limited. This marks a significant moment for the club, as it gives them full control of the stadium for the first time since 2004.
Leeds’ new majority owners, 49ers Enterprises, have a strong track record with stadium projects, having successfully opened Levi’s Stadium for their NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers.
Paraag Marathe, Chairman of Leeds United and President of 49ers Enterprises, shared his enthusiasm for the club’s future, highlighting that their stadium is poised to become one of the best in England.
“We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community,” Marathe said in the announcement. “The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.
“Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road. We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.”
Leeds United bracing for financial hardship, expert says
Credits: Imago Images
Leeds United may face a seven-figure financial setback as part of their redevelopment plans for Elland Road, according to football finance expert Dan Plumley.
“You’ve got to look at it through the lens of short-term pain for long-term gain,” Plumley told MOT Leeds News. “If you do have to close a stand off, there are a few assumptions in there around how much that might cost.
“From their most recent set of accounts in a Championship season, Leeds were generating around £1.3million per matchday. Not all stands are equal but let’s say conservatively, if you close one stand you might lose a couple of hundred to £300,000 per matchday.
“That might cost you in the region of a few million over the course of a season, but the upshot going the other way, is you’re probably looking at around a £10million uplift in matchday revenue over the course of a season after the expansion.”
