US consortium completes takeover of Rangers with £20 million investment

In May 2025, a US consortium, spearheaded by healthcare executive Andrew Cavenagh and the sports investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, finalized its acquisition of a majority stake in Rangers FC, a prominent football club based in Scotland. The new leadership group now controls 51% of the club after a series of share acquisitions and has pledged to invest £20 million into Rangers, predominantly focusing on enhancing the team's player roster. This investment is dependent on shareholder approval which is set to be discussed at a general meeting scheduled for June 23, 2025. Following the deal, Rangers is expected to transition from being a public limited company to a private entity. The Scottish Football Association approved the ownership change, which involved navigating complex dual ownership rules in the Scottish football landscape. With this takeover, Andrew Cavenagh will step into the role of chairman, and Paraag Marathe, who holds a notable position with 49ers Enterprises and Leeds United, will become vice-chairman. The board will also welcome three other directors from the US. Meanwhile, some existing board members will retain their positions, ensuring a blend of new and familiar faces in the leadership structure. This evolution aims to foster a stronger foundation for the club. The consortium's ambition goes beyond just financial investment. Both Cavenagh and Marathe expressed their desire to honor Rangers' rich history and heritage through tangible results on the pitch. They intend to enhance the team's performance and strive for a return to the top tier of Scottish football. The current leadership's plan also includes a focus on strategic planning and infrastructure development. As part of their immediate agenda, they are working to secure a new manager, with favorable indicators pointing towards Davide Ancelotti, an assistant coach at Real Madrid, as a leading candidate. However, the announcement of a new head coach is not anticipated until the following week. Overall, this takeover represents not just a financial shift but also a significant strategic maneuver that aims to revitalize Rangers FC and restore it to prominence within Scottish football, signaling the beginning of a new era that both the management and the supporters hope will bring success in the coming years.