According to The Athletic, Leeds United is all set to make a comeback in the English Premier League. The club has made some significant changes at the top order by welcoming American businessman and sports investor Andrew Schwartzberg to join as the vice chairman.
These changes in the top order are an indication that Leeds United has started to chase its American sports dream. Schwartzberg, known for his sharp business acumen and deep interest in sports, is expected to bring financial and operational changes across the club. He intends to reduce the financial volatility of the club while keeping the spirit of English football alive.
According to the report published by The New York Times, Schwartzberg already has significant experience in sports. Currently, he is also the co-owner of the Charlotte Hornets, a major league NBA team. By having a person like Schwartzberg on board Leeds United, known for its short-term victories and passionately loyal fanbase, is entering an era of modern sports. The expected outcome? Well, we are talking about a globally-recognized sports body with player profiling and branding in the making.
Schwartzberg is also a real estate investor with several housing projects in the United States. This experience is incredibly valuable in infrastructural development and asset management. The New York Times report even indicated this experience as a solution to the concern related to Elland Road’s development, i.e., transforming a humble stadium into a revenue generating venture on both match days and off days.
All these changes seem exciting and a convenient way to put Leeds United on the path towards long-term success and stability. But would it be at the cost of replacing the English football heritage with more modern American football models? Well, according to The Athletic, the Leeds United boardroom is excited to welcome this change, and they feel that this change is a combination of both passion and experience. View full article by The Athletic to see the exact statement from the Leeds United boardroom.
Although Schwartzberg brings experience and passion to the club, it is still not a steadfast guarantee that the club is set for 100% success. English football has always been about short-term victories and an excessively passionate fanbase. So, it would take a while before the American models that talk about player profiling and branding become acceptable.
If Leeds United end up achieving the vision of Schwartzberg, they certainly have the potential to revitalize traditional English football without diminishing its passion and heritage. Furthermore, with a better business model and revenue, Leeds United can attract some good sponsors for global recognition of the brand. The New York Times concluded this article by stating that the changes at Leeds United can change the way English football is viewed. Let’s hope this change brings a positive impact on the club in the upcoming league.
