In a statement to the Stock Exchange, Southampton Leisure Holdings Ltd said that administrators had been appointed but insisted that the football club was unaffected.
The football club's chief executive and former chairman Rupert Lowe, chairman Michael Wilde and director Andrew Cowen have resigned as directors of the parent company.
A Football League spokesman said Southampton's situation would be discussed at its regular monthly board meeting on Tuesday.
"Southampton Football Club has a long history in English football, and could be an extremely attractive investment for the right buyer," he told Sky Sports News.
"We are working hard to preserve the value of the football club and produce a positive outcome for all stakeholders, and I ask that fans continue to show their support for the team for the remainder of the season, as we seek to show the best face possible to potential investors."
