Sheffield Wednesday Takeover in Limbo: How Much James Bord’s Consortium Spent Before Preferred Bidder Collapse – A Huge Blow for Owls Fans

The consortium fronted by James Bord was selected by administrators Begbies Traynor as their preferred bidder to purchase Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls have been in administration since October. Bord’s bid was accepted in December and was pending approval from the English Football League (EFL). However, it was confirmed on Wednesday that the proposed takeover of the Championship club had fallen through, meaning a fresh preferred bidder must now be identified.
The development is a major setback for supporters and for head coach Henrik Pedersen and his squad, particularly after reports suggested the consortium had been covering the club’s monthly losses. Bord’s withdrawal has intensified uncertainty at Hillsborough, with Wednesday already relegated to League One following a turbulent campaign.
Bord had emerged ahead of rival bidders, including Mike Ashley and the Storch family, when he was named preferred bidder in December. According to reports from Sky Sports, the consortium tabled an offer worth £47.8 million for the second-tier side.
Despite that headline figure, the actual financial hit from the failed deal is believed to be closer to £4 million. Reports claim the group paid a non-refundable £2.5 million deposit and covered around £1.5 million in club losses across January and February. Wednesday are understood to be losing approximately £1 million per month, underlining the urgency of securing new ownership.
Although the consortium had been awaiting EFL clearance, several complications reportedly arose during the ratification process. Bord’s background in gambling was cited as a potential concern, alongside the possibility of legal action involving his business associate at Cordoba FC, Jonathan Cohen.
In a statement issued via Sky Sports, the consortium said they had worked constructively with the administrators, the EFL and the Independent Football Regulator, complying fully with the required checks. However, they indicated that the financial terms of the deal were no longer sustainable, particularly given the constraints on renegotiation and the findings of due diligence.
Attention now turns to what lies ahead for Sheffield Wednesday. Reports suggest three other parties have already expressed interest in acquiring the club. Ashley is believed to have made contact with Begbies Traynor regarding a potential bid, though any decision on a new preferred bidder could take several weeks.
In the meantime, Pedersen’s side will focus on finishing the season as strongly as possible, aiming to restore some pride after a difficult and disappointing year.