Jude Bellingham Acquires Minority Stake in Birmingham Phoenix
Real Madrid footballer Jude Bellingham has purchased a 1.2% stake in the Birmingham Phoenix, a franchise competing in The Hundred cricket competition. The Edgbaston-based team is part of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, and Bellingham’s investment was revealed as the previously unnamed investor cited in the club’s annual accounts.
The acquisition includes 0.6% from Warwickshire and 0.6% from American investment firm Knighthead Capital, with the total investment exceeding £800,000. The Phoenix franchise was valued at approximately £82 million when Knighthead Capital acquired a 49% share last year, a move initiated by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Bellingham, who grew up in Stourbridge and began his football career at Birmingham City, expressed his enthusiasm for the investment. Birmingham City retired his No. 22 shirt after he transferred to Borussia Dortmund at age 17. The 22-year-old athlete is also a cricket enthusiast, having played the sport as a junior for Hagley in Worcestershire.
“I love Birmingham. I’m very grateful for what the whole city of Birmingham has done for me,”
“I love cricket as well so when I got the opportunity to get involved I didn’t really think twice about it, so I’m so happy to be on board. I got the best upbringing into football, into life through Birmingham City. I feel like I owe the city something.”
“Right now it’s difficult with how busy I am with football, but if there’s a way in which I can help then I want to and this feels like a good way. I think it’s so important to get our kids in the city out there playing sports. I think it’s crucial and the opportunity of me being a part of Birmingham Phoenix is to try and help people realise there’s different avenues. Some people will enjoy football, some people enjoy cricket.”
“I was fortunate growing up I had the option of playing cricket and playing football, but some kids don’t have that opportunity. It’s important that if I can get involved in something like this to shine a light on an opportunity for kids, then even better.”
Stuart Cain, chief executive of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, welcomed Bellingham’s involvement, highlighting his passion for cricket and his local roots.
“Jude loved cricket as a youngster and has wanted to be involved since we first went to market to secure investors,”
“He understands high-performance sport, but more importantly as someone who grew up in the West Midlands and played the sport in his local streets, he understands the importance of sport and how it can play a positive role in young people’s lives. So, we look forward to working with him on a number of community initiatives moving forward.”
Upcoming Season and Leadership
Jacob Bethell, regarded as one of the most promising young talents in English cricket, is set to captain Birmingham Phoenix this summer. The women’s team will be led by Australian cricket legend Ellyse Perry. The team’s first match is scheduled at home on 24 July 2024, with the final to be held at Lord’s on 16 August.
