San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York, 46, was arrested over the weekend in East Palestine, Ohio on suion of engaging in prostitution, according to court documents. York allegedly attempted to pay a woman $140 for at a trailer park after responding to an advertisement on a known prostitution website. The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force took York into custody, with agents discovering his cellular device that had been used to arrange the meeting.
The arrest comes just months after York achieved a major financial milestone for the storied NFL franchise. In May 2025, York sold a 6% minority stake of the 49ers at a record sports team valuation, pushing the organization’s worth to more than $8.5 billion while allowing him to retain control of over 90% of the team. The sale represented one of the highest valuations in professional sports history.
Beyond the 49ers, York’s sports empire extends internationally through 49ers Enterprises. He holds co-ownership stakes in Leeds United of the English Premier League, valued between $650 million and $800 million, and Rangers F.C. in the Scottish Premiership, worth an estimated $150 million to $195 million.
The York family’s connection to the 49ers spans nearly five decades, dating back to 1977 when Edward DeBartolo Sr. purchased the team for $13 million. Under family stewardship, the franchise has captured five Super Bowl championships and developed legends including Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Ronnie Lott. The legal proceedings and potential fallout from York’s arrest remain uncertain as the case moves forward.
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