Wrexham: How Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Turned $2.5M Risky Investment to $100 Million Franchise
Who knew a tiny Welsh football club would become Hollywood’s favorite underdog story? When Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney dropped $2.5M on Wrexham AFC and acquired it in February 2021, it sounded more like a punchline than a power move. But fast forward a few years, and that “risky investment” is now a $100M franchise.
With a strategic move, a lot of dedication, and yes—maximum effort—Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney didn’t just buy a team, they built a brand. Thanks to the hit docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, the world fell in love with the club’s journey, and now, we’re here writing about Wrexham’s cinematic glow-up within 4 years.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney turned the story for Wrexham AFC
When Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney announced they were buying a fifth-tier Welsh football club in 2021, most people scratched their heads (via The Guardian). If you’re among them, don’t worry, because according to Reynolds, even his wife, Blake Lively, was pissed at his investment, which sounded like the start of a weird comedy sketch.
But sadly it was a done deal—there was no turning back. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired Wrexham AFC—a club with history, heart, and a very uncertain future—for $2.5M. At the time, the team was struggling both on the pitch and in the books. So, the risk was high for the duo, and yet, Reynolds and McElhenney managed to pull a genius move.
Although Wrexham wasn’t some glitzy Premier League club with international fame and its fanbase had seen more heartbreak than glory, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took the risk to turn a genuine underdog into a champion. Their strategy? Well, good old-fashioned marketing and of course doing what they do best, understanding their audience (via The Joe Pomp Show).
Instead of simply focusing on fixing the team’s performance, the duo started building its global identity. Investing in infrastructure, co-owning Wrexham Lager, and most importantly, understanding the power of storytelling, Reynolds and McElhenney welcomed Welcome to Wrexham. A 4-season gripping, funny, emotional docuseries that turned fans into family.
It wasn’t just football anymore. It was a movement. And just like that, Wrexham AFC became a feel-good binge-watch for the world.
Acquired for $2.5M, the Welsh football club is now valued at $100M
Let’s talk about the results—because the aftermath of their plan is absolutely bonkers. The docuseries didn’t just earn ratings; it earned hearts. Suddenly, Wrexham jerseys became popular around the world. Their Instagram following blew up. Sponsorships came flooding in like they were casting for the next Marvel movie.
Even their stadium started getting Hollywood-level upgrades. The club’s turnover hit $35.5M—a 155% jump from the previous year. That’s not just a win. That’s a montage-worthy victory lap. And of course, with all that growth came the money. So, within four years since their initial purchase, Wrexham AFC went from being valued at $2.5M to $100M.
Not just that—when Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney had initially acquired the football club, Wrexham AFC were in the fifth tier (National League). However, now, after two consecutive promotions, the Welsh team has managed to rise to the third tier (League One) and is on track for a third promotion to the Championship (via BBC).
Today, Wrexham AFC isn’t just a team—it’s a full-blown franchise. Although Ryan Reynolds told Time 100 Summit that the stress of promotion has caused him “receding hairlines”, and given him “an 8-inch ulcer in my stomach”, at the end of the day, it’s all about his success story and million-dollar empire, and—yep—maximum effort.
Welcome to Wrexham is currently available on Hulu.
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