Hollywood Owners Help Turn Welsh Club into International Phenomenon
Wrexham, a Welsh football club, is on the cusp of making history as it seeks to secure its third successive promotion. The team’s success, largely attributed to its new owners – Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – has captured fans’ attention both in the UK and globally.
The Red Dragons are poised for a crucial match against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, with promotion to English soccer’s second-tier Championship within reach. Wrexham’s performance on the pitch has kept pace with its international success, thanks in part to the popularity of their “Welcome to Wrexham” TV documentary.
Reynolds and McElhenney have turned Wrexham into an international phenomenon, attracting a huge viewing audience from North America. The club’s annual report revealed that 52.1% of its turnover came from outside the UK, primarily in North America, up from 24.6% last year.
Wrexham’s manager, Phil Parkinson, expressed his pride in the team’s achievements and the role of their owners. “This club has a great history, proud tradition,” he said. “I think it was a bit of a lack of understanding of that really.”
Parkinson credited Reynolds and McElhenney for bringing stability to the club, saying they “let us get on with our job brilliantly” while also contributing to the team’s success. The manager urged his players to seize this opportunity, but emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment.
With Birmingham City already sealed promotion, Wrexham needs to secure a win against Charlton Athletic and hope that Wycombe Wanderers drop points against Leyton Orient. The stakes are high, but Wrexham is on the cusp of making history with its Hollywood owners leading the charge.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/wrexham-out-write-another-chapter-storybook-rise-2025-04-25