Wrexham AFC Owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Officially Reach a Combined Net Worth of £408 Million

October 26, 2024

In a significant achievement, Wrexham AFC’s high-profile co-owners, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have officially been reported to hold a combined net worth of £408 million. The news marks another milestone for the two actors, whose 2020 purchase of the historic Welsh football club has brought newfound attention and success both to Wrexham AFC and to their own entrepreneurial ventures.

Hollywood Meets Football: The Origins of Wrexham AFC Ownership

In late 2020, Reynolds and McElhenney surprised fans and industry insiders alike when they announced their acquisition of Wrexham AFC, a club with a 160-year legacy, making it one of the oldest football teams in the world. The acquisition was not a typical sports investment; it was driven by a commitment to bring success to the struggling club and to connect with the fanbase. The unusual pairing of Hollywood and lower-league British football captivated audiences, drawing attention not only to the club’s challenges and successes but also to the personal journeys of both Reynolds and McElhenney as they adapted to their new roles as football owners.

Net Worth Breakdown: How They Reached £408 Million

The increase in net worth for both Reynolds and McElhenney reflects both the success of Wrexham AFC and their individual business accomplishments. Reynolds, known for his blockbuster films and the Deadpool franchise, has successfully leveraged his personal brand into the business world. His investments have included notable successes such as Aviation Gin, which was sold to Diageo in 2020 in a deal worth up to £465 million. Reynolds also has stakes in Mint Mobile, a telecom company, and a recently established creative studio venture.

McElhenney, star and co-creator of the hit show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has also expanded his investments. Alongside his work in television, he has recently partnered with major entertainment brands and launched new projects, which have contributed significantly to his financial growth. Together, the actors have managed to build a diversified portfolio that has translated into an impressive net worth.

Wrexham AFC’s Impact on Their Wealth

While much of their wealth originates from separate ventures, their investment in Wrexham AFC has indirectly added to their financial growth by expanding their brand reach globally. Since the takeover, Wrexham AFC has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity, thanks in large part to the FX and Hulu documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, which chronicles the team’s journey under the ownership of Reynolds and McElhenney. The series has been a major success, with millions tuning in to watch the club’s dramatic promotion campaign in the National League and, ultimately, their ascension into the English Football League Two.

In addition, Wrexham’s on-field success has helped increase revenue streams through ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships. The club’s growth has translated to increased revenue potential, both for Wrexham AFC and for its owners, who have gained a foothold in the sports world and expanded their influence internationally.

The Rise of Wrexham AFC: A Success Story

Under the stewardship of Reynolds and McElhenney, Wrexham AFC has transformed from a financially troubled club to a globally recognized team with strong ambitions. In 2023, the club achieved promotion to League Two, marking their return to the English Football League after a 15-year absence. This achievement fulfilled a promise made by the new owners and solidified their commitment to the team and the fans.

The increased visibility and revenue have allowed Wrexham to invest in better facilities, recruit talent, and even improve the local community infrastructure. The club’s improved fortunes have also positively impacted the local economy, with more fans attending games, buying merchandise, and boosting local businesses.

Social Media and Community Engagement

One of the most distinguishing aspects of Reynolds and McElhenney’s ownership is their active engagement with fans and community members. Both stars frequently interact with fans on social media, adding a layer of transparency and accessibility that has been instrumental in building trust and loyalty. Reynolds, in particular, has used his platform to promote Wrexham, posting about the club to millions of followers across Instagram and Twitter. Their involvement has endeared them to both local fans and global audiences who admire their down-to-earth approach to managing the club.

Broader Business Ventures and Future Prospects

The £408 million net worth milestone also points to both Reynolds’ and McElhenney’s expanding influence beyond football and entertainment. Their combined ownership experience with Wrexham has opened up potential opportunities in other sports ventures. Reynolds, for instance, recently joined an investment group aiming to purchase a stake in the Formula 1 team Alpine, indicating his interest in diversifying into other sports-related ventures.

Meanwhile, McElhenney has signaled an interest in expanding his role as a producer and creator within the entertainment industry, with the success of Welcome to Wrexham validating his expertise in storytelling and audience engagement. As their financial standing continues to grow, it is likely that both actors will pursue additional investment opportunities, possibly in sports, media, and technology sectors.

Future of Wrexham AFC Under Hollywood Ownership

As Wrexham AFC enters its next chapter, the continued investment and involvement of Reynolds and McElhenney bode well for the club’s future. Their presence has provided a sense of optimism and ambition, helping to attract high-profile sponsors and create new revenue streams for the team. Additionally, with each promotion and victory, the owners’ vision of taking Wrexham into higher leagues seems increasingly attainable.

Their strategic plans reportedly include continued infrastructure upgrades, increased support for player development, and efforts to bring the club closer to fans. Wrexham AFC’s continued success could potentially lead to promotion to League One and even higher leagues, an outcome that fans could only dream of a few years ago.

Fans and Community React to the News

Upon hearing the news of Reynolds and McElhenney’s financial milestone, fans took to social media to express support and excitement. Many fans credited the two owners for their impact on the team and the local community. “They’ve done so much for Wrexham and brought it back into the spotlight,” one fan posted on Twitter. Another added, “They deserve every penny – they took a chance on us and made us believe in the team again.”

In the town of Wrexham, the community has felt the effects of the club’s growth, with local businesses reporting increased foot traffic and tourism. The “Reynolds-McElhenney effect” has not only invigorated the club’s fanbase but has also had a lasting impact on Wrexham’s economic landscape, which many residents hope will continue for years to come.

Conclusion

The combined net worth of £408 million is a testament to both the personal and professional successes of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. As co-owners of Wrexham AFC, they have proven that a blend of passion, strategic investment, and community engagement can create meaningful change in the world of sports. Their journey has captivated fans worldwide, transforming Wrexham from a struggling club into a symbol of resilience and ambition.

As they look to the future, both Reynolds and McElhenney have the financial stability and resources to continue leading Wrexham AFC toward new heights. The journey is far from over, and with the unwavering support of the fans and the community, Wrexham AFC’s

story under Hollywood ownership remains one to watch.