Jude Bellingham has acquired a minority stake in the Birmingham Phoenix cricket franchise [1].
The investment marks a rare cross-sport venture for the Real Madrid and England football star, linking his global profile to the growth of The Hundred competition. By investing in a team based in his hometown, Bellingham leverages his athletic influence to support a regional sporting entity.
Bellingham purchased a stake of approximately one percent [2] in the franchise. The valuation of this investment is reported at £820,000 [2]. The Birmingham Phoenix is a professional cricket team that competes in The Hundred, a shorter format of the game designed to attract broader audiences.
The football star cited personal connections and a passion for the sport as the primary drivers for the deal. "I feel like I owe the city something," Bellingham said [1]. He also noted his affinity for the game, adding, "I really love cricket" [2].
This move aligns with a growing trend of elite athletes diversifying their portfolios through minority ownership in sports franchises. The investment is intended to support the continued expansion of The Hundred's reach and visibility. By aligning himself with the Birmingham Phoenix, Bellingham connects his personal brand to the city's sporting identity outside of football.
“"I feel like I owe the city something."”
Bellingham's investment reflects the increasing trend of 'athlete-investors' using their capital to enter emerging sports markets. By choosing a hometown franchise in a modernized cricket format, he is betting on the commercial viability of The Hundred's attempt to globalize and youth-orient the sport of cricket.
