When Red Bull became Leeds United’s minority investor, it was abundantly clear that the financial incentive was massive even in the Championship, let alone the Premier League.

Promotion back to the Premier League of course brings a huge boost to Leeds’ revenue through various avenues.

One of those is the lucrative sponsorship deals that come with the Premier League spotlight. Leeds have Red Bull front and centre on their kits.

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In 24/25, it was confirmed that Leeds’ local front-of-shirt sponsorship with Boxt would be usurped by Red Bull. The energy drinks brand itself wasn’t the problem. It’s more what they have done elsewhere in football that sparked concern at Elland Road.

What was obvious was that in order for Leeds to agree for Red Bull to be the shirt sponsor and a minority stakeholder, the financials were to be enormous.

Red Bull are Leeds United’s front-of-shirt sponsor for a second successive season. (Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough)

Now in the Premier League, that’s even more so the case. The Athletic uncovered a recent investment pitch from the 49ers Enterprises at Elland Road.

In which various financial insights are revealed, included in that is the magnitude of Leeds’ Red Bull sponsorship:

“This (revamped 49ers boardroom) leads to five examples of commercial growth between ‘the last time the club was in the EFL’ in 2020 and last season’s promotion campaign. Leeds’ ‘digital footprint’ has grown by 40 per cent, likewise its ticketing revenue, with retail income up 50 per cent and premium hospitality more than doubled.

“But the real upside is from sponsorship, largely thanks to energy-drink giant Red Bull becoming a minority partner and putting its logo on the front of Leeds’ shirts.

“The deal is worth seven times the previous EFL record and more than double what Leeds were earning the last time they were in the Premier League.”

Leeds United gain huge financial boost from Red Bull, £12m-plus every year is massive

In terms of how much that deal would therefore specifically be worth, the value this season isn’t disclosed. However, Leeds’ previous Premier League front-of-shirt sponsor SBOTOP were bringing the club £6million-per-season.

Should Leeds be banking “more than double” what SBOTOP were, it means United are landing £12million-plus per year from Red Bull. A staggering amount in the Championship and clearly a significant sum in the Premier League too.

It’s hardly a surprise fans aren’t happy with Red Bull, given their impact at other clubs across the world. But that doesn’t appear to be the case here anytime soon.

They have no say in the boardroom, and the club would surely object Red Bull’s attempts to work into a position of power at Elland Road.

Looking at positives, having such a sponsorship only boosts our opportunity to grow financially in years to come.

If that’s what helps us establish back in the Premier League, it’s a case of needs must.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!