Arise, David Storch’s consortium, has been declared the new preferred bidder for Sheffield Wednesday.

The American will be seeking to finalize a deal to purchase the Owls as soon as possible in order to begin work on rebuilding the club to a more competitive level.

The Yorkshire club has been in administration since October, and this is the second time Begbies Traynor has selected a preferred buyer.

Previously, the group led by James Bord was scheduled to take over after reaching an agreement in December, but they backed out in February.

Supporters will want the case resolved as soon as possible, as they see some light at the end of the tunnel following a difficult year.

But Storch also has a bond with former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, who has wished him luck with his move to Sheffield Wednesday.

Gareth Bale’s Net Worth

Bale rose to prominence as a player for Real Madrid and Wales, although he began his career with Southampton.

The attacker progressed through the Saints’ program before joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2007, where he spent six years.

In 2013, the Welshman moved to Spain and became the most expensive player in football history, signing for Real Madrid for £85 million.

During his stint in La Liga, he won three league crowns, a Copa del Rey, and five Champions Leagues, making him one of the most recognized players in the world.

While he retired in 2023, it is believed that his net worth is £120 million as a result of his on-field accomplishments and off-field commercial interests.

Bale reportedly made £600,000 per week at Madrid, but it isn’t the only reason for his remarkable net worth.

He launched a pub in Cardiff in 2017, and has now expanded to a site in Bristol, where he also enjoys golf.

As part of his business pursuits, the 36-year-old has invested in a distillery and a golf league co-founded by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.

Gareth Bale’s Potential Sheffield Wednesday Role

Bale was previously linked with a possible acquisition of Plymouth Argyle, with the former attacker leading a syndicate looking to buy the Devon club.

However, the transaction fell through, as did his attempt for Cardiff City in 2025.

This desire to become involved in football ownership may prompt Bale to pursue a position with the Owls.

However, no such action has been made at this time, and it is unknown how willing he is to collaborate with Storch.

The American is awaiting EFL approval before having his takeover approved, and there are still doubts over whether the deal will be completed due to issues with a wage spend cap and a 15-point deduction penalty for next season.

Sheffield Wednesday has already been formally demoted from the Championship.