Sheffield Wednesday have already endured a dramatic week, with their relegation officially confirmed on Sunday. Attention has now shifted entirely to off-field matters and the urgent search for new ownership.
The Owls have been in administration since October 2025, a period marked by key departures, poor results on the pitch and, ultimately, the end of their Championship status once the season concludes.
Now, head coach Henrik Pedersen will aim to steer his side toward positive points and finish the campaign on some form of encouragement, while efforts continue behind the scenes to secure a new owner.
Following another major development on Wednesday, Football League World has reviewed the latest updates surrounding Sheffield Wednesday’s takeover situation.
James Bord fails in takeover bid at Sheffield Wednesday
It was revealed on Wednesday afternoon that a consortium led by James Bord had withdrawn from its attempt to take over the club, despite having invested around £4 million during its time as preferred bidder, according to Alan Nixon.
In a statement addressed to Sheffield Wednesday supporters, the group said:
"To the long-suffering fans of this great Club, it is with deep regret that we have chosen not to continue our bid to become your new custodians. We have followed Wednesday for many years and regard it as a club whose proud history has been undermined by poor ownership decisions. You deserve far better.
"When the chance came to be involved in the next chapter of your story, we embraced it in good faith and entered the purchase process. Throughout, we worked professionally and openly with the administrator, the English Football League and IFR, supported by an outstanding advisory team.
"Sadly, years of mismanagement and severe underinvestment mean our binding offer can no longer be justified. The detailed due diligence carried out over the past two months has made that clear.
"As widely reported, we have already committed more than £4m to help keep the Club running. However, the exclusivity agreement limited how much could be adjusted from our offer, regardless of the conclusions reached. After careful consideration, we felt unable to proceed. We know this will be extremely disappointing for many and apologise sincerely.
"We want to stress one final point. We are lifelong football supporters and have never encountered a fanbase as passionate as Sheffield Wednesday’s.
"We hope whoever takes over understands the importance of investing in the team, the stadium and the community together. The remainder of this season, and the next, will be challenging, but we firmly believe you will return to former glory, and when you do, we will be cheering you on."
There are other parties still interested in Sheffield Wednesday including Mike Ashley
Although Bord’s takeover attempt collapsed, Rob Dorsett has reported that several other groups remain interested in acquiring the Owls.
His update suggests that at least three potential buyers have contacted the club’s administrators since news of the failed deal emerged. The process of appointing a new preferred bidder with exclusivity is now expected to restart. Bord’s consortium had gained that status on 24 December, and just over two months later, the club finds itself back at square one.
One of those linked with renewed interest is Mike Ashley. Dorsett revealed that the former Newcastle United owner has made contact following Bord’s withdrawal, though his previous bid was lower than rival offers.
Ashley and the other interested groups are understood to have demonstrated access to at least £50m to complete a purchase and stabilise the club after years of setbacks under former owner Dejphon Chansiri.
The Storch family remain keen on purchasing Sheffield Wednesday
On Tuesday evening, just hours before Bord officially pulled out, a statement from David Storch confirmed that he and his family remain eager to buy the club.
The statement read (via Rob Staton):
"We continue to feel extremely passionate about the opportunity at Sheffield Wednesday and helping restore the club to its former standing.
"We wish the preferred bidder well in the process but remain ready to step in should another opportunity arise. While relegation is deeply disappointing, we wish the team every success as they complete the season."
As a result, it would come as no surprise if the Storch family submit a fresh proposal in the coming weeks, with the race to acquire Sheffield Wednesday set to intensify once again.
