What 49ers think about 'architect' Paraag Marathe as possible Rangers kingpin can fix Ibrox issue in his sleep — Glasgow World 23/2/25
By Ben Banks
The 49ers have had the possible Rangers powerbroker in their
ranks for many a year.
It’s been another desperate weekend for Rangers but fans are
clinging onto the hope of an American dream lurking around the corner.
St Mirren recorded back to back victories in the Premiership
over Philippe Clement’s men on Saturday during a 2-0 success at Ibrox. Coming
hot off the heels of defeat to Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup, the heat is
well and truly on boss Philippe Clement heading into the final straight of the
season.
In the background and very much at the forefront of
discussion discourse, a takeover of the Ibrox club involving San Francisco
49ers' investment wing is expected to be completed before the start of next
season. After years of Celtic dominance, it has reignited fresh hope that
silverware in plentiful supply could return to Govan.
Paraag Marathe, who is chairman of Leeds United chairman and
a key force behind 49ers Enterprises who own the Elland Road club plus are the
investment wing of the 49ers NFL franchise, is a key man in the prospective
Rangers revolution.
A man of much influence across a couple of major sporting
organisations, the NFL team say Marathe is a key figure when it comes to
contracts and salary, with football analytics also in his remit. Contracts are
something Rangers have been criticised for in recent times with a player
trading model failing to bring in much revenue, so the club will hope to tap
into Marathe’s expertise if he does come on board.
The 49ers bio on the possible incoming Rangers powerbroker’s
role and what they think of him reads: “Paraag Marathe is in his 24th year with
the 49ers, currently serving as both President of 49ers Enterprises &
Executive Vice President of Football Operations. On the football side, Marathe
continues in his long-respected role as the team's chief contract negotiator
and salary cap architect, while overseeing the team's football analytics
department, among other football duties.
“He is responsible for the 49ers compliance with the NFL's
collective bargaining agreement and works alongside general manager John Lynch
and head coach Kyle Shanahan on all aspects of the club's football operations.
Marathe also co-chairs the NFL's Future of Football Committee.
Marathe has also previously discussed how hands on he gets
at Leeds United amid 49ers Enterprises involvement at Elland Road, and again
the contract issues at Rangers have hope attached to them for rectification. He
told the Leeds United podcast in 2023: “I've been the head negotiator, I still
am. I've been the president and chief exec of a team, I have built a stadium,
and I have hired coaches.
“I have been through the troughs and I have been to the peak
of mountains or almost peaks of mountains in sport. I have seen it all and I
have been through it all in sports so I have a particular empathy for
everybody's job that I think is going to serve me well.
“Just take the football negotiations piece. Okay, it took a
long time for us to get approvals but to our supporters at Leeds, just know
this is my lifeblood, this is my wheelhouse, this is what I do. I am
negotiating contracts in my sleep at the 49ers for a long time.
“To jump in and lend a hand with players and agents...yeah the ball is shaped differently and the sport is different but the agent game and the player game, it's very much the same. And that's what I made a name for myself in the American sports, a lot of the same things I am going to be able to apply and it just differentiates me from any other chairman."