⚽ From the PGA Tour to Elland Road: Justin Thomas and the American Sports Stars Powering Leeds United’s Global Revolution
As Leeds United embark on a fresh Premier League campaign, a new wave of international support is swelling behind the historic Yorkshire club — and at the forefront is an unlikely voice from the world of golf: Justin Thomas, a 16-time PGA Tour winner and one of the most respected names in the sport.
Thomas is part of a growing list of American investors and athletes who have tied their names and fortunes to Leeds United through the club’s ambitious ownership group, 49ers Enterprises. But for Thomas, this isn’t just a financial venture — it’s a personal investment in a club, its identity, and its future.
While logistical challenges have kept the two-time major champion from making the trip to Elland Road so far, Thomas has made it clear: he wants to be more involved with Leeds United, both as a supporter and a stakeholder — and he’s just getting started.
🏌️ Justin Thomas: A Fan, A Father, and Now, A Football Man
Thomas’s interest in Leeds United may have seemed surprising to some at first. A Kentucky-born golf prodigy with a glittering professional career and a growing public profile in the U.S., Thomas has long been focused on the golf course — but his involvement in the Leeds project signals a broader shift in how American athletes view European football.
In a recent interview, Thomas opened up about his intention to make Leeds a bigger part of his sporting life, while admitting that the timing hasn’t quite worked in his favor yet.
“I’d like to. Some of the guys are giving me a hard time, that of course, now they’re in the Premier League, now I’m going to make my way over,” he said, half-jokingly.
“But it’s unfortunate that they’re not playing during kind of this… it would be great during the Scottish [Open] or The Open to either go before or stay after.”
Family obligations, particularly becoming a father in recent months, have also played a role.
“Then last year with having a baby made the fall just a slightly tough ask on my end. We’ve wanted to, so hopefully we can make it work by the end of this year.”
Despite the scheduling conflicts, Thomas’ enthusiasm is clear. He’s not just another name on an investor sheet — he wants to experience the culture, hear the crowd at Elland Road, and contribute to the club’s journey back to the heights of English and European football.
🏀 Larry Nance Jr. and the Rise of the Transatlantic Fan
Thomas is far from alone. Fellow American sports star Larry Nance Jr., currently playing for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA, has become one of the most outspoken Leeds fans across social media, endearing himself to the club’s fanbase with his unfiltered takes and sincere devotion.
Nance Jr.’s engagement with the club goes well beyond casual interest. He regularly comments on squad selection, match performances, and even managerial decisions — famously saying he’d love to bring back Marcelo Bielsa, the beloved Argentine tactician who transformed Leeds before his departure in 2022.
Although tongue-in-cheek, his opinions resonate with fans who still hold Bielsa in legendary status. And like many supporters, Nance was disappointed to see Junior Firpo leave this summer, after the fullback completed a free transfer to Real Betis.
His reaction reflects the depth of emotional involvement that American athletes are beginning to have with Leeds. It’s no longer about novelty — it’s about loyalty.
🎬 Hollywood Meets Yorkshire: Will Ferrell Adds Star Power
Another powerful name in Leeds’ investment group is none other than Will Ferrell — the world-famous actor and comedian known for hits like Anchorman, Elf, and Step Brothers. Ferrell, a passionate football supporter, is also a stakeholder in Los Angeles FC, one of the most successful franchises in Major League Soccer.
Ferrell has been outspoken about the growing role of American investment in European football, calling it “a movement that’s catching up” to the traditions of local ownership. In his view, the marriage of American capital with historic European clubs presents a modern model for global success, blending commercial savvy with community roots.
For Leeds, having a figure like Ferrell publicly advocate for the club introduces the Whites to an entirely new demographic of fans, particularly in North America where football (or “soccer”) is booming in popularity among younger audiences.
🧢 49ers Enterprises: Building a Dynasty On and Off the Pitch
At the center of this sweeping transformation is 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, which now holds a majority stake in Leeds United. Their ambition is not modest: they aim to turn Leeds into a sustainably successful Premier League club with international appeal.
This isn’t just about signing players or expanding the squad budget. It’s about building a full-fledged global brand, supported by:
Strategic international partnerships
Smart commercial expansion in the U.S. and Asia
Strong digital presence to reach the next generation of fans
Celebrity involvement that builds relevance outside the UK
Leeds’ promotion back to the Premier League is more than just sporting success — it’s the green light for a business plan that depends on visibility, engagement, and momentum.
With investors like Justin Thomas and Larry Nance Jr. eager to play a more visible role, Leeds now has access to built-in audiences in other sports, multiplying their reach.
🔥 A Club Reborn: Leeds United’s Bright Future
The combination of on-field progress under manager Daniel Farke and off-field growth driven by the 49ers and their celebrity allies paints an optimistic picture for Leeds United.
Farke, who guided the club back to the Premier League after just one season in the Championship, brings tactical clarity and a promotion-winning pedigree. With his leadership and the backing of ambitious ownership, Leeds is poised not just to survive — but to thrive.
Meanwhile, figures like Justin Thomas are helping to reshape how Leeds is perceived around the world. His involvement is a symbol of the club’s evolution: from a traditional English side with a loyal fanbase to a modern, media-savvy, cross-continental force in global football.
📢 What’s Next?
Justin Thomas has made it clear that his presence at Elland Road is a matter of when, not if. Whether it’s during a Premier League match or a visit tied to one of golf’s major championships, Leeds fans can expect to see the American golfer among the crowd before the season is out.
As more American stars continue to voice their support and join the club’s journey, Leeds United is building something larger than football — it’s building a community that stretches across oceans, uniting fans from West Yorkshire to California and beyond.
For a club built on history and heart, the future has never looked more global.