Rangers and Hearts Secure Major Investment

Scottish football is undergoing a seismic transformation as two of its most iconic clubs, Rangers and Hearts, announce significant new investments aimed at shaking up the domestic status quo and propelling the league into a more competitive and commercially ambitious era.

At Ibrox, newly installed chairman Andrew Cavenagh has led a £20 million investment round into Rangers FC, backed by a US-based consortium that includes the investment arm of the NFL franchise, the San Francisco 49ers. Approved with 98% shareholder support, the deal will see Rangers re-register as a private limited company, laying the financial foundations for a new chapter of growth, competitiveness and strategic ambition. Cavenagh’s appointment, alongside Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe as vice chairman, signals a new leadership model geared toward achieving sustainable success.

“We’re impatient, we’re competitive and we relish the challenge,” said Cavenagh, referencing the fierce rivalry with Celtic. “This is one of the world’s greatest rivalries and we’re here to build a club that can consistently win the league, compete in Europe and grow commercially.”

The £20 million will underpin infrastructure development, squad enhancement and digital fan engagement initiatives. It follows the recent arrivals of sporting director Kevin Thelwell and head coach Russell Martin, who has been tasked with implementing a progressive playing style and talent development pathway.

Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom has completed a £9.86 million investment in Heart of Midlothian, acquiring a 29% non-voting stake in the club. Bloom, who also owns Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise and Australia’s Melbourne Victory, described the deal as a chance to “disrupt the pattern of domination which has been in place for far too long”, an apparent reference to the Old Firm’s longstanding grip on Scottish football.

Hearts supporters overwhelmingly backed the deal, which preserves fan-led control through the Foundation of Hearts. Bloom’s trusted associate, James Franks, will join the board as a non-executive director, bringing strategic and operational expertise from his work across Bloom’s global football portfolio.