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First Post
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Ryan Reynolds' golden touch: Why the Hollywood star's football club is nearing 7,400% valuation surge
We know Ryan Reynolds is a good actor but with his investment in Wrexham AFC football club he has proved that the Hollywood star is also a good businessman. The valuation of the Wrexham AFC is set to rise by 7,400%. read more Two Hollywood stars buying a football club and turning it into a winning machine sounds like the script of a thrilling movie — but Wrexham AFC has become living proof that stardom, when channelled properly, can lead to success both on the pitch and in business. The Welsh football club Wrexham AFC are co-owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The football club was worth $2.5 million (approximately £2 million at the time) in 2021, as that is what the movie stars paid to buy the club. But it could now soon be worth at least $207 million (£150 million). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Wrexham became a financial giant under Reynolds? Why and how? Get ready for a story that is nothing less than a fairy tale. Wrexham were at their bottommost in 2020 when they finished 19th in the National League, which is the fifth tier of English football. Bottommost because this was the club's worst finish in its 150-year history. To add more context, there were 112 clubs ahead of them across five divisions. More from Football Just when it looked like the plug would be pulled on Wrexham, Reynolds, known for playing the role of Deadpool, and McElhenney bought the club in 2021 for reportedly $2.5 million. This is where the redemption began. Reynolds is one of the most popular actors not only in Hollywood but in the world. McElhenney is known for his role in the sitcom It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. When they joined Wrexham, the press became interested in covering the club and the celebrities wanted to be associated with the team. This resulted in money flowing into the system as tickets sold like hot cakes, sponsorship deals became easy to land and global media coverage was guaranteed and consistent. This money was used to sign better players, improve the training infrastructure and develop the working environment at the club. While fellow clubs struggled to keep up, Wrexham have scripted an unprecedented rise, securing three back-to-back promotions. This is the first time an English club has achieved three consecutive promotions since 1888. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wrexham AFC players with the trophy as they get promoted to the Championship. Image: Reuters A 3-0 win against Charlton Athletic at STōK Cae Ras on Saturday ensured that Phil Parkinson-coached Wrexham will be playing in the EFL Championship next season, which is the second division in English footballing structure and only behind the Premier League. Wrexham's valuation set to rise 7,400% Co-owner Reynolds now wants the Premier League for Wrexham. 'Our goal is to make it to the Premier League,' Reynolds said. 'It just seemed like an impossible dream [when buying the club in February 2021], but as storytellers, you look as much as you can at the macro view of history. 'I would not be here, you can go all the way back from the Gresford [coal mine] Disaster to [club legend] Mickey Thomas, who is a huge point of aspiration for this club and the goal was to reach that feeling – and it is a feeling.' This massive achievement could also see the valuation of Wrexham rise an astonishing 7,400% from the time the Hollywood actors invested in the club. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They were valued at around $134 million (£100m) in March 2025 by Bloomberg before the promotion was confirmed. But football finance expert Kieran Maguire feels the brand power of the owners and the proximity to the Premier League will see the valuation swell. 'I suspect promotion was factored into the original valuation to a degree, but with the brand connection to the owners and now being 46 games away from the Premier League, that could add on another 50% to the value,' Maguire told BBC Sport. 'Ipswich were valued at £100m in February 2024 (before their promotion to the Premier League that May) so a good start to the season could push Wrexham above that by 50% or more due to the Ryan and Rob factor.' Factors like better pay for media rights and sponsorship deals are some of the reasons that can lead to a quick rise in the valuation. If Reynolds can manage another documentary on the club like the US TV-produced Welcome To Wrexham in 2022, the valuation can jump even higher. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Wrexham boss sends final four-word message to players ahead of Ryan Reynolds' annual tradition
Wrexham will play in the Championship next season after sealing a third successive promotion and Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney plan to help the squad celebrate in style As Wrexham prepare for their annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas to toast yet another promotion, Phil Parkinson had one simple request for his players: "Just come back alive." As they have in recent years, Wrexham's squad will jet off to the United States to celebrate in style courtesy of their co-owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The duo have now overseen three successive promotions, with Wrexham now just one level below the Premier League after finishing second in League One this term. Wrexham's previous trips to Sin City have sparked a major buzz online. McElhenney vowed at the start of the season that he and his partner would deliver another trip to remember should Wrexham go up again - even if Reynolds was less keen. "I just got back from Las Vegas where we did it for the second time and if they get promoted again, we promised them that they will be sent to Vegas again," the It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia star said. He added: "Much to chagrin of my co-chairman. So if you see Ryan, I don't know if Ryan has come by yet but he is going to say no and I am going to say yes." Paul Mullin confirmed to GQ back in May 2023 that not only did Reynolds and McElhenney arrange the jaunt, but they also footed the bill for the entire squad. He explained: "It became a thing where if we won the league, we'd get a holiday. So we're off to Vegas. Join the debate! How do you think Wrexham will fare in the Championship? Let us know here "Ryan and Rob told us to leave our cards at home, they're sorting the lot. They sent us a full itinerary just now." While the players have been given the green light to embrace the carnage of Las Vegas to celebrate their exploits this season, Parkinson will be waiting for them upon their return as he plots for life in the Championship. He paid tribute to his players after watching them go the final 10 games of the season unbeaten to seal a spot in the second tier. "In the last few weeks players stood tall, shoulders back, saying 'this is what it's all about'. That's what you've got to be to play for Wrexham because there's big expectations, a lot of spotlight on us and you have to handle that." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
ITV News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Ryan Reynolds says he is looking forward to "many more" years at Wrexham
Ryan Reynolds has revealed he is looking forward to 'many more' years at Wrexham after the football club achieved their historic third consecutive promotion. Deadpool star Reynolds and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia actor Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham for £2 million in February 2021 and have led the Welsh club out of the fifth division, known as the National League, and into the second tier of English football. The pair's time with the club has been documented in the FX series Welcome To Wrexham, which has run for three series and earned eight Emmys, with a fourth season set to air next month. Writing on X, Reynolds said: 'This club is the sum of its supporters. 'Before we showed up they'd saved it multiple times. It's a temple as much as a football pitch. @Wrexham_AFC has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.' Wrexham beat Charlton 3-0 on Saturday to became the first team in English professional football to achieve three successive promotions. Reynolds' post was accompanied by a clip of him attending a concert by Ed Sheeran, a minority owner and sponsor of Ipswich Town. At the gig, Sheeran told him: 'Ryan, I think Wrexham are going to get promoted and we're going to see each other next season.' Ipswich were relegated from the Premier League to the Championship on Saturday, after winning just four matches in the top flight this season. Reynolds crossed his fingers after Sheeran's comments in the video, which charted Wrexham's success, accompanied by US band Green Day's song Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life). He added: 'It's hard to avoid immediately starting work on next season – but important to take the moment in. Looking back and looking forward feels really good right now. 'I think I speak for @RMcElhenney when I say, thank you for the greatest four years and here's to many more.' The football club has seen recent royal visits from the Prince of Wales and the King and Queen, and actors including Wolverine star Hugh Jackman, who is a supporter of Norwich City. Wrexham will travel to Lincoln this Saturday in the Dragons last game of the season.
North Wales Live
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Ryan Reynolds says he is looking forward to 'many more years' with Wrexham AFC
Actor Ryan Reynolds has revealed he is looking forward to 'many more' years at Wrexham AFC after the football club won promotion to the Championship. Deadpool star Reynolds and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia actor Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham for £2 million in February 2021 and have led the Welsh club out of the fifth division, known as the National League, and into the second tier of English football. The pair's time with the club has been documented in the FX series Welcome To Wrexham, which has run for three series and earned eight Emmys, with a fourth season set to air next month as fans "enjoy the ride". Writing on X, Reynolds said: 'This club is the sum of its supporters. Before we showed up they'd saved it multiple times. It's a temple as much as a football pitch. @Wrexham_AFC has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.' Wrexham beat Charlton 3-0 on Saturday to became the first team in English professional football to achieve three successive promotions. Reynolds' post was accompanied by a clip of him attending a concert by Ed Sheeran, a minority owner and sponsor of Ipswich Town. At the gig, Sheeran told him: 'Ryan, I think Wrexham are going to get promoted and we're going to see each other next season.' Ipswich were relegated from the Premier League to the Championship on Saturday, after winning just four matches in the top flight this season. Reynolds crossed his fingers after Sheeran's comments in the video, which charted Wrexham's success, accompanied by US band Green Day's song Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life). He added: 'It's hard to avoid immediately starting work on next season - but important to take the moment in. "Looking back and looking forward feels really good right now. I think I speak for @RMcElhenney when I say, thank you for the greatest four years and here's to many more.' The football club has seen recent royal visits from the Prince of Wales and the King and Queen, and actors including Wolverine star Hugh Jackman, who is a supporter of Norwich City. McElhenney and Reynolds were honoured in 2022 with the Dragon Award from the Welsh Government, the Football Association of Wales and S4C for promoting the country and its language.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Ryan Reynolds says he is looking forward to ‘many more' years with Wrexham
Deadpool star Reynolds and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia actor Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham for £2 million in February 2021 and have led the Welsh club out of the fifth division, known as the National League, and into the second tier of English football. The pair's time with the club has been documented in the FX series Welcome To Wrexham, which has run for three series and earned eight Emmys, with a fourth season set to air next month. Writing on X, Reynolds said: 'This club is the sum of its supporters. 'Before we showed up they'd saved it multiple times. It's a temple as much as a football pitch. @Wrexham_AFC has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.' Wrexham beat Charlton 3-0 on Saturday to became the first team in English professional football to achieve three successive promotions. Reynolds' post was accompanied by a clip of him attending a concert by Ed Sheeran, a minority owner and sponsor of Ipswich Town. At the gig, Sheeran told him: 'Ryan, I think Wrexham are going to get promoted and we're going to see each other next season.' Ipswich were relegated from the Premier League to the Championship on Saturday, after winning just four matches in the top flight this season. Reynolds crossed his fingers after Sheeran's comments in the video, which charted Wrexham's success, accompanied by US band Green Day's song Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life). He added: 'It's hard to avoid immediately starting work on next season – but important to take the moment in. Looking back and looking forward feels really good right now. 'I think I speak for @RMcElhenney when I say, thank you for the greatest four years and here's to many more.' The football club has seen recent royal visits from the Prince of Wales and the King and Queen, and actors including Wolverine star Hugh Jackman, who is a supporter of Norwich City. McElhenney and Reynolds were honoured in 2022 with the Dragon Award from the Welsh Government, the Football Association of Wales and S4C for promoting the country and its language.
