Leeds United diehards given fuel to justify their Red Bull fears after takeover of English club
A few Leeds United supporters have voiced their apprehension with Red Bull’s association with their team. Few question the company’s investment commitment or savvy. When United was promoted to the Premier League, the front-of-shirt sponsorship agreement skyrocketed, and the money earned bolstered the team’s PSR position.
The 49ers view them as valuable partners with whom they occasionally consult for guidance on specific issues. Furthermore, this is by no means Red Bull’s first football endeavor. The company has displayed its blueprint in the US with New York, Germany with Leipzig, and Austria with Salzburg. In terms of the expanding trend of owners owning a portfolio of clubs, it was far ahead of the curve.
Red Bull holds a 10% stake in United, and they have made their presence felt. Advertisement is ever-present on matchdays, including a new facia poster on the outside of the stadium and a page on the inside cover of the programme.
For a commercial campaign last season, it brought a converted hatchback with a huge energy drink can on its back to the training facility so that players could try to chip the ball into it away from matchdays. In the early summer, they quickly improved.
It brought one of its Formula One cars onto the Elland Road field to compete against Isaac Schmidt, Wilfried Gnonto, and Largie Ramazani. Since Red Bull has invested money and no business does so without expecting exposure in return, they have every right to display themselves.
Red Bull pays close attention to its image. For example, a can of Red Bull with the top broken open and facing manager Daniel Farke is always displayed during pre-match press conferences to give the impression that he is sipping it. Farke actually seems to reach for the water all the time. This position on imaging is what worries some supporters.
They examine the teams in Leipzig, Salzburg, and New York that have “Red Bull” or “RB” tacked on to their names. Leeds United will not experience this while the 49ers are in control of the team.
Red Bull are minority shareholders for one, and the 49ers are meanwhile very aware of the heritage surrounding the club and its place in the English football fabric.
For this reason, the sale of Elland Road’s name rights throughout the expansions is not a possibility. Additionally, there has been no indication to the 49ers that Red Bull has long-term takeover aspirations, or is at least not aware of them.
The response from fans has been favorable. Supporters of the name change used terms like “fantastic news” and “northern powerhouse” in their social media remarks after it was announced. It must be acknowledged that the highest echelon of rugby union has been experiencing severe financial strain in recent years.
In the past five years, stalwart teams like Worcester Warriors and Wasps have folded, and the league is constantly struggling to make ends meet. Every club is vying for sponsorship to varied degrees, and Red Bull’s acquisition of Newcastle ensures financial stability.
The takeover demonstrated “confidence in and potential” in the Premiership as a tournament, which is why supporters are happy, according to Rugby Football Union CEO Bill Sweeney. The Premier League in football is obviously in a very other realm. Indeed, owners suffer enormous losses, but the number of players in the game is enormous. Leeds United is not having financial difficulties.
Heritage and integrity don’t have to be sacrificed for financial stability. The incoming regulator, who will seek to safeguard a club’s heritage assets, will reassure those worried about a potential Red Bull takeover and rebranding.
The watchdog will have the authority to stop traditions from being torn away from domestic football institutions without the supporters’ consent. Red Bull has not implied that they would try to take over the club, much less alter any of the furnishings, as defenders will correctly point out. That needs to be emphasized since it is fair enough.
Before such concerns are even near being realized, there is a great deal of hypotheticality to negotiate. However, others will examine Newcastle Red Bulls and make their own claims.
Therefore, individuals who are concerned might put such ideas on hold for the time being. However, a local development will serve as a reminder for detractors.
