By Robert Haugh

The 49ers are spearheading the potential acquisition of Scotland’s Rangers Football Club. 

Rangers, founded in 1872, is one of the most storied clubs in Scottish football, competing in the Scottish Premiership and boasting over 50 league championships.

The exact financial details of the 49ers’ proposed takeover have not been publicly disclosed. However, reports indicate that the deal involves acquiring at least a 51 percent majority stake in the Scottish Premiership club. 

The Rangers’ valuation at approximately £170 million or about $214 million. 

The Scottish Football Association regulations limit ownership stakes in multiple soccer clubs and the 49ers’ current ownership of England’s Leeds United restricts them to a maximum 29.9 percent stake in Rangers. 

The proposed investment in Rangers FC continues the 49er’s strategy to invest in overseas sports teams.

In May 2018, 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, acquired a 10 percent stake in Leeds United, an English soccer club, for approximately $13 million USD. 

By January 2021, this stake had increased to 37 percent and by November 2021, it reached 44 percent.

In June 2023, 49ers Enterprises completed a full takeover of Leeds United, valuing the club at around £170 million GBP, which is approximately $214 million at current exchange rates.

Maybe this is why the team needs a lot more office space.