Leeds United Managing Director Angus Kinnear has been speaking on the latest edition of The Athletic’s The Phil Hay Show about all things relating to Leeds United.
One of the topics that Kinnear spent some time on was the failed European Super League and how the Whites’ part-owners, the San Francisco 49ers, felt about the proposed plans.
A few of the people behind the Super League, such as Stan Kroenke and John W Henry, are American and are accustomed to franchise sports teams like the San Francisco 49ers; however, it seems as if they were against the plans and have invested in Leeds because of their love for the Premier League and competition.
When asked where the NFL side stand, Kinnear said: (33:10) “Very clear from both Paraag [Marathe] and Jed [York], they have bought into the Premier League for exactly the reasons that we all love it as a product and a league.
“So their approach couldn’t be more different, and they understand the value of competition, they understand the value of the football pyramid.
“Obviously, they want to maximise the collective rights, but they want it to be done in a fair fashion, which is based on a meritocracy and not a cartel.”
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TIF Thoughts on the San Francisco 49ers…
The NFL side increased their stake in the Whites from 15% to 37% earlier this year, and it is clear from what Kinnear said that they see Leeds as an opportunity and want to compete fairly.
This is interesting because Kroenke owns an NFL side himself, and he saw it totally differently based on the fact he signed the Gunners up for the European Super League.
However, it is encouraging to hear Kinnear say this about Leeds’ American partners, and it puts to bed any doubt over their thoughts on the Super League, which we think is important.
In other news: £9.9m-rated star who does what Bielsa ‘likes’ tipped as potential ‘decent’ signing for Leeds