In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney made the unconventional decision to invest in a soccer team in England. They purchased the Welsh team Wrexham AFC in 2021, despite Reynolds being a Canadian with no prior knowledge of the sport.
Against all odds, Reynolds and McElhenney have accomplished something truly remarkable. In just three years, they have taken Wrexham AFC from the fifth division of England to the second division, a feat rarely seen in any league worldwide.
Since taking over the team, the two actors have made significant investments both on and off the field. Their dedication and financial backing have led to three consecutive promotions for Wrexham, propelling them from the fifth division to the second division.
However, these achievements have come at a cost. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire revealed that Reynolds and McElhenney have incurred substantial losses since acquiring the Welsh club. According to sportbible.com, the Hollywood duo has lost a staggering amount of money in their venture.
Despite the financial setbacks, Wrexham’s commercial growth has been impressive. The success of their documentary “Welcome to Wrexham” has attracted lucrative partnerships with renowned brands such as United Airlines, TikTok, and Reynolds’ Aviation Gin. This has resulted in a quadrupling of the club’s revenue, from £2.5 million ($3.3 million) in 2019 to £10.5 million (almost $14 million) in 2023.
Revenue from ticket and merchandise sales, as well as television advertising, has also contributed significantly to Wrexham’s financial growth. Nevertheless, Maguire estimates that Reynolds and McElhenney have suffered losses of up to £20 million ($26.6 million) due to their involvement with Wrexham.
Maguire discussed these financial challenges on the Price of Football podcast, stating that between November 2020 and 2023, the actors lost £8 million ($10.6 million), despite the benefits of globalizing the brand and securing international sponsors. He further speculated that the total investment in the club could be around £18 million to £20 million ($24 million to $26.6 million).
The financial analyst also highlighted the unique circumstances surrounding player wages in the National League. Players were willing to drop down two divisions to sign for Wrexham, with some earning double the average wage of £3,000 ($4,000) per week. This level of financial commitment is unheard of in the National League.
In conclusion, Reynolds and McElhenney’s foray into English soccer with Wrexham AFC has been a rollercoaster ride. Despite their lack of knowledge about the sport, they have successfully guided the team to higher divisions. However, these achievements have come at a significant financial cost, underscoring the challenges of owning a soccer club.
