Consortium involving ex-Brazil forward Pato seals Northampton takeover

What the report says

Northampton Town’s takeover by Sports Alpha Capital, a consortium that includes former AC Milan and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato, has been completed, according to BBC Sport. The deal was previously approved by the Independent Football Regulator and the English Football League earlier in September. SAC will now hold a 70% stake in Northampton Town Ventures Limited, which owns most of the League Two club, while existing owners David Bower, Nigel Le Quesne and Kelvin Thomas keep the remaining 30%.

BBC Sport reported that the transaction leaves Northampton debt-free after the club disclosed a pre-tax loss of almost £3m in April 2026. The move also brings a leadership change: Thomas will step down as chairman after more than 10 years, though he and the other current owners will stay on as shareholders and directors. SAC’s Joao Xavier and Tim Chamberlain will become co-chairmen, while Pato is set to join the board as a director.

The new owners said they intend to build a long-term, sustainable project and work with supporters, staff and community partners. BBC Sport also noted that Pato, now 37 and retired from playing, was previously involved in SAC’s planned but abandoned approach for Colchester United. Northampton were relegated to League Two last season and appointed Chris Hogg as manager in May, making the takeover part of a wider reset for the club on and off the pitch.