San Francisco 49ers Enterprises president and Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe has addressed speculation surrounding his consortium’s interest in Rangers, confirming that they are actively “looking at opportunities” in football investment. This comes after reports surfaced that American investors are in talks over a multi-million-pound takeover at Ibrox.
Marathe, a key figure in the 49ers’ sports investment strategy, was pressed on whether his group sees Rangers as part of a multi-club model, potentially positioning Leeds as the cornerstone club. However, he was quick to dismiss this notion, making it clear that their approach is about individual investments, rather than placing clubs in a hierarchy.
He was asked:- Are you envisaging something more like a multi club model for Leeds, or as in Leeds as the cornerstone?
Yeah, it’s a good question. And I think, you know, I’ve said this before, we’re always, we always have our eyes and ears open. We’re always looking at other opportunities. You know, I don’t so multi club, from the standpoint of, like, a hierarchy of clubs that maybe some other folks do, that’s not really how we’re looking at it. We’re sort of looking at it as almost standalone. You know, Leeds United stands alone. And if we were to look at another club or pursue another club, that club would stand alone on its own.
Paraag Marathe, Interview FT Live, Business of Football Summit
A Vision for Sustainable Growth, Not a Feeder Club
For Rangers fans, this statement will be a welcome relief. Concerns had been raised about the possibility of the club being relegated to a secondary role in a wider football empire, similar to how other American-led groups have structured their football investments. However, Marathe’s vision appears to be about sharing resources and expertise between clubs while still preserving their heritage, identity, and ambitions.
He explained that owning multiple clubs can bring economies of scale, particularly in commercial operations and sporting infrastructure, but stressed that Rangers—should an investment go ahead—would be treated as a standalone entity with its own ambitions.
A Passion for Football Investment—Could Rangers Be Next?
When asked directly about Rangers, Marathe avoided confirming direct negotiations but hinted that the club fits the profile of what they are looking for.
If you’re a sports person and you love it and you treat it as you know, a way of life, so to speak, like I do, then absolutely, there’s enough room in your heart, just like there is to love all of your children. There’s enough room in your heart to love all your sports properties.
Paraag Marathe, Interview FT Live, Business of Football Summit
This will be music to the ears of Rangers fans hungry for fresh investment, particularly after years of financial struggles and boardroom uncertainty. The potential of a well-structured, ambitious investor group—one with the resources and strategic know-how to elevate Rangers’ commercial and sporting prospects—is an exciting prospect.
The fact that Marathe has openly ruled out a “feeder club” approach will reassure fans that any potential takeover would come with respect for the club’s tradition and legacy—not just as a stepping stone for another team.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Rangers?
While the full details of any potential takeover remain unclear, Marathe’s comments have certainly set the stage for further speculation. If his consortium does decide to move forward with an investment in Rangers, fans will be hoping it brings financial strength, strategic leadership, and a long-term vision for sustained success.
For now, Rangers supporters will watch closely as talks progress, hopeful that any new ownership will respect the past while building a stronger future.
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