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Football and Hollywood collided in the most unexpected yet heartwarming way through the story of Wrexham AFC. A historic football club from North Wales, Wrexham had long been a pillar of its local community but was largely unknown to the broader football world. That all changed in 2021, when Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased the club, then playing in the fifth division of English football. Their involvement wasn’t just a publicity stunt; it became a heartfelt commitment to revitalizing not only a football team but also an entire town.
The journey that unfolded was nothing short of cinematic. Wrexham didn’t just find new owners; it found new life. Through a blend of sportsmanship, storytelling, and business acumen, the club rapidly climbed the English football pyramid. By 2025, Wrexham achieved the unthinkable: a promotion to the Championship. It wasn’t just a milestone; it was a historic moment, as Wrexham became the first team ever to secure three consecutive promotions. The club’s meteoric rise inspired millions, becoming a modern-day fairy tale in the world of football.
One of the most influential elements in this transformation was the documentary series Welcome to Wrexham. Broadcast globally, the show chronicled the behind-the-scenes challenges, emotional highs and lows, and the community’s deep connection with the team. It introduced Wrexham to the world not just as a football club, but as a symbol of perseverance and community spirit. Viewers around the globe connected with the authenticity of the players, the humility of the town, and the genuine efforts of Reynolds and McElhenney to do right by the club and its fans. This wasn’t just about football; it was about hope, belonging, and ambition.
As the world tuned in, the business side of Wrexham began to reflect its growing popularity. The club’s revenue reached £26.73 million in 2024, representing a 155% increase from the previous year. Sponsorship revenue skyrocketed to £13.18 million, a sevenfold increase that highlighted the commercial appeal of the club’s unique narrative. Matchday income grew to £5.02 million, and retail sales hit £4.455 million. Even more impressively, the club went debt-free after repaying £15 million in loans. Net losses decreased dramatically from £5.1 million to just £2.7 million. These figures told the story of a club that had moved from survival to sustainable growth in a remarkably short span.
With growing success on the pitch came a surge in global attention. Before the Hollywood takeover, Wrexham had a modest following of about 150,000 across social media platforms. By 2025, this number had exploded to nearly 4 million. The club’s financial success also became increasingly international, with more than half of its revenue coming from outside the United Kingdom. Fans in the United States, Australia, and Asia began wearing Wrexham jerseys, and the club’s merchandise became a hot commodity across continents.
Taking the story to international grounds, Wrexham embarked on a United States tour that captured the imagination of American fans. In games against high-profile opponents like Chelsea and Manchester United’s youth team, Wrexham drew over 110,000 spectators. These matches weren’t just exhibitions; they were proof of the club’s growing global footprint and its ability to engage fans far beyond its Welsh roots.
As visibility increased, big-name sponsors lined up to associate their brands with Wrexham. United Airlines became the team’s main shirt sponsor, replacing TikTok, while HP took over as the sleeve sponsor and global technology partner. Meta Quest was featured on the back of the shirts, further embedding the club in the tech and entertainment landscape. STŌK Cold Brew secured the naming rights for Wrexham’s historic stadium, now called STŌK Cae Ras. These partnerships didn’t just provide financial backing; they signaled a shift in how brands viewed football clubs as storytelling platforms with global influence.
The valuation of Wrexham AFC reflected its incredible transformation. Purchased for just £2 million in 2021, the club was valued at £100 million by 2025. This staggering 4,900% increase wasn’t driven by traditional metrics alone but by a fusion of competitive success, global branding, and authentic community engagement.
Yet, despite the soaring numbers, what sets Wrexham apart is its heart. The club never lost sight of its roots. The local fans who had supported the team through thick and thin were never sidelined. Instead, they became the emotional core of a story that now resonated with the world. Reynolds and McElhenney made it clear that this wasn’t just a business investment. It was a deeply personal mission to honor the town, its history, and its football culture.
In April 2025, the next chapter began as Wrexham secured promotion to the EFL Championship, just two steps away from the Premier League. The promotion brought with it a wave of new opportunities. The club gained access to a share of a £935 million broadcasting deal with Sky Sports, ensuring steady television income. Stadium capacity was set to increase to over 15,000, allowing for larger crowds and more ticket sales. Premium hospitality packages were introduced, and demand for tickets soared. With increased exposure came even greater commercial potential, positioning Wrexham to strike more high-value sponsorship deals.
Wrexham’s journey is a case study in what can happen when passion meets purpose. It has demonstrated that success in football doesn’t rely solely on talent and tactics. It also depends on connection, culture, and creativity. By combining Hollywood storytelling with genuine community care, Wrexham has rewritten the playbook on how to build a football club in the modern age.
Today, Wrexham stands on the brink of Premier League dreams. But more importantly, it has already succeeded in something far more valuable: it has captured the hearts of millions. As one fan put it so perfectly, “Wrexham isn’t just our team anymore. It’s the world’s team.”
And this story? It’s only just getting started.
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