By James Farquharson and Taylor Kirkwood

Rangers could be in luck with a potential takeover from NFL giants. San Francisco 49ers are in advanced talks with the Scottish club to take over the club.

Leeds United Chairman Paraag Marathe who is also executive vice president of football operations for the 49ers is keen to invest in Rangers. If the club comes to an agreement, then Rangers could benefit massively from the financial boost.

So, who is it supposedly trying to take over Rangers? The potential investors in question are of one of the richest NFL franchises who appeared in the 2024 Super Bowl. The San Fransico 49rs are one of the most popular and successful franchises in the league who are estimated to be worth around $7 billion.

In 2018 49ers Enterprises purchased a 15% percent stake in Leeds United before increasing that to 44%. In July 2023, the 49ers fully took over Leeds in a deal worth £170 million. Since their takeover Leeds have managed to strike a deal for a sponsorship with Red Bull worth £75 Million. This is one of the biggest deals in the English Football League currently.

49ers players training (Mike Ehrmann via Gettyimages)

It is safe to say the money generated in the NFL compared to the SPFL is outstanding and what Rangers make in a year is not nearly as impressive compared to what the 49rs make. In the past year Rangers made $119 million in revenue whereas the 49rs made $510 million.

The contrast in revenue is due to the commercial income that the NFL makes which brings in billions and the viewership of the league from across the world helps the owners of these teams become a financial powerhouse.

San Francisco and Rangers are more similar than the finances may suggest with both teams having very similar situations throughout their history both recent and in the past. The teams are regarded as one of the most successful in their respective sports, but both have struggled to overcome their bitter rivals in Celtic and the Kansas City Chiefs in recent years.

There has been talks previously of Rangers being taken over. In 2015 Robert Sarver, the owner of the NBA Phoenix Sun’s held talks with Rangers over a possible 51% stake in the club. However, most of these rumours of a takeover for the club have not made it to advanced stages.

Rangers majority shareholder (Paul Devlin-SNS Group via Gettyimages)

In recent years Rangers have struggled massively with finances following administration in 2012. In October 2024 Rangers announced the club had a net loss of £17 Million despite seeing highs within revenue and income.

With a takeover from the 49ers Rangers could turn things around massively and build a much stronger squad. Financial sustainability rules from FIFA could impact the way Rangers spend their money however investment will massively benefit the club.

The 49rs are one of the most successful NFL teams with five Super Bowls to their name. So not only are Rangers hoping they bring their money with them but also their winning mentality as they look to regain the Premiership title from Celtic who have dominated Scotland for the last decade.

American owners look to make Rangers great again