Toby Wilding

Wed 19 February 2025 21:07, UK

Rangers could be taken over by 49ers Enterprises just as a major partial sale of the NFL franchise happens on the other side of the Atlantic following a report from Bloomberg.

On Wednesday (19 February), it emerged that the an American consortium backed by the 49ers are in talks over an imminent takeover of Rangers.

That enterprise represents the investment arm of the American Football team the San Francisco 49ers – and also holds a controlling stake in Championship side Leeds United.

Indeed, Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe is one of those who is touted to play a significant role in a takeover of of the Glasgow outfit.

Now however, it appears as though that move to take control of the Ibrox club may not be the only high-profile and big money deal surrounding the California team in the near future.

Rangers takeover bidders eyeing huge asset sale

As per this latest update from Bloomberg, the San Francisco 49ers, owned by Jed York, are considering a part sale which would see the franchise valued as one of the most expensive sports outfits in the world.

It is understood that they are looking into selling a 10% stake in the team, although it remains to be seen exactly what group or individual they might look to sell to.

In a detail that underlines the financial strength of those involved in the bid to buy Rangers, it is thought that stake would be valued at $9billion (£7.15billion).

For now though, it is noted that there is no guarantee that there will be any sale of a portion of the rights to the NFL side.

Those connected with Rangers will no doubt be watching on with interest, as they hope for a potential takeover that could help them close the gap to Celtic in Scottish football.

San Francisco 49ers sale claim will excite Rangers

Football Insider Verdict

The fact that such a small stake in the San Francisco 49ers could be worth so much shows the size of the financial circle Rangers would be joining if a takeover of the Ibrox club is completed, even if the closed-shop nature of the NFL is very different to multi-division formats in football.

As a result, many followers of the Ibrox side may well be hoping that both of those sales are indeed completed in the near future.

Rangers have struggled to compete with Celtic for may years now which is going to be hugely frustrating given the rivalry between the two.

However, the funding that come into the club if such a takeover is completed would no doubt give them the funds to out together a squad that can challenge Brendan Rodgers’ side.

That may be enhanced by the sale of this stake in the San Francisco 49ers by the enterprises’ investment arm, bringing more money into the consortium.

All of this could therefore develop into a very exciting period for all connected with Rangers.