Rangers supporters are hopeful that 49ers Enterprises will unlock fresh commercial opportunities for the club by leveraging their global network of partners.
Fans have already seen the group’s influence at Leeds United, where a major shirt sponsorship deal with Red Bull was secured, and there is growing excitement around plans to expand Ibrox, with many eager to see the stadium’s capacity significantly increased.
While significant commercial transformation is expected under the new American stakeholders, a legacy issue from the previous regime has resurfaced.
Rangers Cancel Second Australia Friendly in Three Years
Rangers have once again withdrawn from a proposed friendly in Australia, marking the second time in three years that such plans have been scrapped—this time due to the lingering effects of the aborted Sydney Super Cup.
The club had initially pulled out of a controversial 2022 friendly against Celtic in Sydney, following fierce backlash from fans. That decision resulted in legal action, with Rangers facing a potential £1.6 million penalty. An out-of-court settlement was eventually reached, which reportedly included a commitment to return to Australia in the future.
However, according to the Daily Record, Rangers have now cancelled a post-season match with Olympiakos in Sydney, originally set for May 28, shortly after the Scottish Cup Final.
After their memorable victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League, Rangers opted to cancel the friendly to avoid scheduling conflicts with the Europa League Final on May 21. Though they were later eliminated by Athletic Bilbao, the club had to make a logistical call in advance.
A Future Down Under – and Beyond?
While Rangers supporters in Australia will be disappointed by the cancellation, this latest development suggests future opportunities for overseas tours—possibly even a return to Australia as part of a long-term agreement.
Rangers enjoy a strong fan base in Australia, and international friendlies there could prove financially rewarding.
With 49ers Enterprises now playing a leading role, it’s expected that global tours, including visits to the USA, Asia, and other markets, could soon be in the pipeline.
Boosting Rangers’ commercial income will be vital for narrowing the financial gap with Celtic, and this kind of international expansion could be key to achieving that goal.
