Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Eye Investment in Welsh Fire: A New Chapter for The Hundred?
Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, renowned for their remarkable transformation of Wrexham Football Club, are reportedly considering expanding their sporting portfolio into cricket. Their next target? The Welsh Fire, a team in The Hundred, England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) flagship short-format competition. Following their success in football, where they have guided Wrexham to back-to-back promotions, this potential investment marks a fascinating new chapter for the pair in the world of sport.
Expanding Their Sporting Empire
Reynolds and McElhenney, who co-own Wrexham AFC, are no strangers to the sporting world. Since taking control of the Welsh football club, they have overseen a dramatic resurgence, returning the team to the third tier of the English Football League for the first time in nearly two decades. Now, the duo is looking at cricket, particularly Welsh Fire, as their next venture.
Dan Cherry, the chief executive of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, confirmed that “contact’s been made” between the Hollywood duo and the Welsh Fire franchise. Welsh Fire plays its home matches at Glamorgan’s Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, and the team is one of eight franchises in The Hundred, a competition that has brought new life to English cricket since its inception.
According to Cherry, although discussions are still in the early stages, there is considerable excitement around the possibility. “There’s not been anything substantial come back yet, but we’re in the process and I know that they’ll certainly be included in any process that we’ve got going forward,” he told ESPNcricinfo.
The Hundred and Its Investment Potential
The Hundred is no small-scale operation. Launched by the ECB in 2021, the competition has captured the attention of cricket fans and attracted significant commercial interest. In light of this, the ECB is seeking to raise approximately £500 million by selling 49% stakes in the eight franchises that make up the tournament. Each franchise, including Welsh Fire, has the option to sell part or all of its share, and Glamorgan currently holds a 51% stake in the Welsh Fire franchise.
With the potential for high returns, the ECB has cast a wide net in search of investors. As BBC Sport has noted, the governing body has approached high-profile team owners from leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Women’s Premier League (WPL), and even the NFL. Private equity funds have also expressed interest, and it is clear that The Hundred has significant investment potential for those looking to be part of a dynamic, fast-growing competition.
Reynolds and McElhenney have already shown they are willing to branch out into different sports, with stakes in both Mexican football side Necaxa and the Alpine Formula 1 team. Adding Welsh Fire to their portfolio would not only broaden their involvement in British sport but also further enhance their international sporting credentials.
What Could This Mean for Welsh Fire?
If Reynolds and McElhenney proceed with their investment, the impact on Welsh Fire could be transformative. The Welsh Fire franchise, which has struggled on the field during the first two editions of The Hundred, could benefit from the Hollywood stars’ global profile, business acumen, and ability to engage fans through media and social platforms.
Cherry acknowledged the potential, commenting, “There’s obvious interest in what Ryan Reynolds and the guys have done at Wrexham, which has been fantastic for football in north Wales.” He was, however, cautious about ensuring that any investment aligns with the franchise’s long-term goals. “That doesn’t necessarily mean to say that it’ll be the right option for us, but if they’re interested in talking to us, obviously it’s an exciting proposition.”
The infusion of fresh capital and creative ownership could help elevate Welsh Fire, not only in terms of performance but also in drawing in new fans to the sport. Reynolds and McElhenney’s ability to captivate global audiences, as they have with Wrexham, could serve as a significant boost to cricket in Wales, which has often struggled to compete with the popularity of rugby and football.
Future of The Hundred
While The Hundred has its critics, there is no denying that the tournament has brought new energy to English cricket. Its fast-paced format, shorter games, and emphasis on entertainment have helped attract new fans, particularly younger ones, to the game. The ECB’s decision to sell stakes in the franchises is a reflection of the growing commercial interest in the competition, and it will be fascinating to see how investors like Reynolds and McElhenney shape its future.
Reynolds and McElhenney’s involvement in The Hundred could also spark interest from other high-profile investors, further raising the competition’s profile on a global stage. As the ECB continues to explore investment opportunities, the potential for more Hollywood stars, sports team owners, and business magnates entering the cricket world is real.