1. Local Businesses
The crowds outside Saith Seren welcome the 'Champions' bus as the team secures promotion to the English Football League
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have openly stated their ultimate goal is for Wrexham to reach the English Premier League.
It has been five years of celebrations and parties for Wrexham supporters. Marking the anniversary of the arrival of the world-famous American owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is also an opportunity to examine how this Hollywood football venture has benefited the city and local community.
Alongside remarkable success on the pitch, rising from the National League to the Championship, here are five other significant changes to the city and wider area.
Undoubtedly, the club's success has brought a boost to local businesses such as hotels, eateries, and pubs, with thousands visiting the town centre.
One example is the Welsh club Saith Seren. Established in 2012, it has seen a major increase in weekend visitors as the football team has achieved promotion year after year from the National League to the Championship.
Chris Evans, chairman of the community enterprise in the town centre, said many supporters of other Championship teams have enjoyed the warm Welsh welcome at Saith Seren.
"This year has seen even more people coming through the doors, there are more teams in the Championship and more supporters visiting the town.
"Recently against Norwich, about 20 supporters came here after the game and enjoyed the experience.
"Other fans have heard this is a safe place to go, with live music and a warm welcome. More and more are coming to Wrexham and through our doors, but the club's success also means there are new pubs in town and thus more competition.
"Saith Seren has close links with the football team. During Covid, we broadcast live games so supporters could watch the club's matches.
"The club has also been more than willing to help us – the late Joey Jones, one of Wrexham's big names, signed prints to sell when money was tight and some were worried about our future.
"One of the most memorable moments was after returning to the league following the victory over Boreham Wood. There was a big parade through the town with Rob and Ryan on the bus. The bus stopped about 20 yards in front of Saith where someone from somewhere had the idea to sing Hen Wlad fy Nhadau; that will always remain in memory."
2. The Welsh Language
The club's positive attitude towards learning Welsh has been very encouraging, says Huw Birkhead
The club has also done more to promote the use of Welsh. Since the Americans arrived, they have fostered a connection with Coleg Cambria, under the National Welsh Language College, aiming to improve the use of the language.
Huw Birkhead, a Welsh tutor and club supporter, has been closely involved in ensuring bilingual signs, bilingual materials, and bilingual publications during matches.
"I am part of the Welsh podcast Y Chwiban Ola which follows the games. There is enthusiasm regarding the club; signs, the programme and online programme, they want to see Welsh content.
"Possibly the most positive aspect is the learning element within the workforce; many staff now participate in voluntary Welsh learning classes," said Huw, who has been collaborating with the club since 2023.
He added that the club and college jointly won the Welsh Language award at the 2025 Wrexham Business and Community Awards.
3. Financial Value
Dylan Griffiths: 'A ticket nowadays to watch Wrexham is like gold'
It is well known that the club nearly went bankrupt at one point and had to rely on supporters' money to buy the club and save it from extinction. Then in 2021, news came that Reynolds and McElhenney persuaded supporters to sell the club and invest £2 million.
Currently, the club is estimated to be worth £350 million.
One of the familiar voices linked to Wrexham's on-field successes is commentator Dylan Griffiths.
"It's been over a quarter of a century since I started following Wrexham and the change over the last five years has been tremendous.
"One of the owners' strengths is their connections, which is evident when looking at some of the club's sponsors – United Airlines, Meta Quest, and M&S to name just three.
"The club's appeal is enormous, and if the club secures promotion there will be more major companies willing to be part of this exciting venture.
"But a ticket nowadays to watch Wrexham in the Championship is like gold, especially with the Dragons fighting for a place in the playoffs.
"There was significant spending in the summer to strengthen the squad – over £30 million with 13 new players joining. To put this into context, 40% of clubs in Ligue 1 [France], Bundesliga [Germany], Serie A [Italy], and La Liga [Spain] spent less than £10 million."
Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich started this season for a fee with add-ons that could rise to £10 million – a club record.
4. Stadium Upgrade
The Racecourse Ground is the oldest international stadium still in use for football matches
The club's home is the STōK Racecourse Ground. This is the oldest international football stadium still in use. In 2023, the iconic roof was demolished due to safety concerns.
In its place, a new stand with seating for 7,500 supporters will be built. Work expected to increase the capacity to 18,000 is scheduled for completion early in 2027, allowing the stadium to host Championship league matches.
The county council and Welsh Government have invested £18 million in the project, seen as a way to improve and boost the area around the main railway station.
Dylan Griffiths said: "The solid infrastructure is in place and when you think that a few years ago teams like Dover and Solihull Moors were the visitors to the Racecourse – it's hard to believe that Manchester City, Arsenal, and others will be regular visitors to Wrexham."
Investing £18 million in the Racecourse is 'key to Wrexham' - minister
The new stand is expected to open in 2027.
5. Women Aiming for the Top
Wrexham women's team competes at the top of the Welsh Premier League
Alongside the men's team, the Hollywood stars have also given attention to the women's team.
The team was in the Northern Division but now competes for the top spot in the Welsh Premier League. Success there would mean access to European competitions.
On 22 February, they will face Cardiff in the Division Cup final.
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