Rangers Takeover: Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises Complete Takeover of Scottish Premiership Club
In a landmark moment for Scottish football, Rangers Football Club has officially entered a new era as a consortium led by American businessman Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises has completed a majority takeover of the Ibrox side. The deal, which has been in the works since October of last year, has now received final approval from the Scottish Football Association (SFA), signaling a transformative shift in the club’s leadership and financial future.
The consortium, spearheaded by Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises—the investment arm of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers—has acquired a 51 per cent controlling stake in the club. This makes them the majority owners, effectively giving them the reins to chart Rangers’ course forward both on and off the pitch.
Andrew Cavenagh, a seasoned investor and sports business strategist, has been appointed chairman of Rangers as part of the deal. Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and a key executive with the San Francisco 49ers, has been named vice-chair. The pair bring with them a wealth of experience in modern sports ownership, with a strong track record in club transformation, data-driven decision-making, and global brand expansion.
“We are incredibly honoured to become stewards of one of football’s most storied clubs,” said Cavenagh in an official statement. “Rangers has a proud heritage and a passionate supporter base. Our immediate commitment is to strengthen the foundations of the club while respecting its traditions and unique identity.”
The takeover includes a pledged investment of £20 million at this time, with additional funding and long-term infrastructure improvements expected in future phases. Initial funds will reportedly be directed towards stadium renovations at Ibrox, youth development, scouting operations, and strengthening the first-team squad to bolster Rangers’ domestic and European ambitions.
Paraag Marathe, whose work has been pivotal in modernizing the San Francisco 49ers, emphasized the group’s ambition to blend traditional football values with innovative sporting and commercial strategies. “We see enormous potential in Rangers,” Marathe said. “With the right infrastructure and support, we believe the club can thrive not only in Scottish football but also reestablish its presence as a force in European competition.”
Reactions to the takeover have been largely positive among Rangers supporters, many of whom see the deal as a chance to compete more effectively with Celtic and make a sustained return to the Champions League. However, some fans and former players have cautioned that the club’s heritage must remain at the heart of any modernization efforts.
With pre-season preparations looming and European qualifiers on the horizon, the timing of the takeover could provide Rangers with a crucial boost heading into the 2025-26 campaign. All eyes will now be on Cavenagh and Marathe as they aim to lead Rangers into a new chapter—one they hope will be marked by sustained success, financial stability, and global relevance.