Will Ferrell is reportedly buying a minority stake in Leeds United

Will Ferrell has bought a minority stake in EFL Championship club Leeds United, joining the club’s general partner group, according to the Sun.

Ferrell is the latest American celebrity name to invest in an English club following the success of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney with Wrexham.

Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season. The club almost secured automatic promotion this year but fell short ahead of Leicester City and Ipswich Town. Leeds will compete in a playoff for the third and final promotion spot.

Ferrell is notably a co-owner of the Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC. The club made its MLS debut in 2018 as an expansion side. LAFC won the first and only MLS Cup in 2022, when names like Gareth Bale, Giorgio Chiellini and Carlos Vela played for the team.

Leeds United have not officially confirmed Ferrell’s investment, although The Athletic broke down Ferrell’s role. “The indication from Elland Road is that Will Ferrell is firmly in the limited partner category. He’s another famous face in the mix, but he won’t stand a chance in the boardroom,” Phil Hay and Ben Burrows of The Athletic reported.

Ferrell joins notable names like Michael Phelps, Jordan Speith, Larry Nance Jr, Russel Crowe and others as part of the ownership group.

Leeds United play Norwich City in the EFL play-off over two legs. If Leeds progress, the club will face the winner of Southampton and West Bromwich Albion. An immediate return to the Premier League will be a massive achievement for manager Daniel Farke.

Leeds were promoted in the 2020–21 season and finished in the top half of the table. The 2021–22 season saw Leeds stay up but only three points, but the club were subsequently relegated the following season.