Rangers FC Confirms Majority Takeover by Consortium Led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: Rangers Football Club

Rangers Football Club has announced a significant ownership transition following the completion of a majority stake sale to a consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers. The transaction received official approval from the Scottish Football Association, setting the stage for a new governance and investment era at one of Scotland’s most historic clubs.

The new ownership structure includes a commitment to inject £20 million in fresh capital, subject to shareholder approval at the General Meeting scheduled for 23 June 2025. The investment is aimed at supporting immediate on-pitch performance improvements and establishing long-term financial sustainability. Rangers FC Andrew Cavenagh 49ers Enterprises

Leadership Overhaul and Board Restructure Rangers FC Andrew Cavenagh 49ers Enterprises

As part of the deal, Andrew Cavenagh will become Chairman of the Board. A veteran of the healthcare and investment sectors, Cavenagh brings operational leadership experience, but has made it clear that the focus is performance, not ceremony.

“This club’s history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn’t win matches,” Cavenagh said. “We know that the true way to honour the club’s heritage will be to drive performance. Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs — at the top.”

Joining him on the board as Vice Chairman is Paraag Marathe, President of 49ers Enterprises and longtime executive within the NFL. Marathe emphasized both sporting ambition and community relevance:

“At 49ers Enterprises, we have built a track record of sporting and business success, but our driving motivation is our deep connection to the clubs and communities we serve. We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club, and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.”

New board members will include Mark Taber, Andrew Clayton, and Gene Schneur. They join existing directors Patrick Stewart, Fraser Thornton, John Halsted, and George Taylor, who will remain. Graeme Park, Julian Wolhardt, and Alastair Johnston will step down.

Institutional Backing and Shareholder Continuity

According to interim Chairman Fraser Thornton, the transaction is not only about capital but also operational capability:

“The incoming shareholders bring not only funding but also deep expertise in strategic planning, infrastructure development, and sporting excellence.”

Thornton also acknowledged the role played by the outgoing board members and major shareholders, noting that “the vast majority” of the club’s top shareholders have chosen to reinvest and remain aligned with the club’s direction under new leadership.

Transition Focus: Football Operations and Head Coach Appointment

Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart offered additional insight into the club’s short-term operational priorities:

“From my earliest conversations with Paraag and Andrew, I have been excited and confident in the shared vision and what it could mean for the future of Rangers. Our focus now is on the hard work ahead, preparing thoroughly for the new season, appointing the right men’s head coach, and ensuring we have the structures in place to support success on the pitch.”

The ownership group is expected to oversee the recruitment of a new head coach and implement further football operations changes over the coming months.