Jude Bellingham, the 22-year-old England and Real Madrid midfielder, has acquired a minority stake in the Birmingham Phoenix, a franchise participating in England's 'The Hundred' cricket competition. This move marks Bellingham's first significant investment outside of football.
The acquisition sees Bellingham purchasing approximately a 1% stake in the Birmingham Phoenix. The financial value of this stake is reported to be around £800,000 to $1 million. This investment comes as the American investment group, Knighthead Capital Management, has also increased its ownership in the Phoenix, acquiring a 49% stake for £40 million last year. Warwickshire, the host club, retains a controlling stake in the Phoenix.
Bellingham's connection to Birmingham is underscored by his career trajectory, having emerged from the youth academy of Birmingham City FC, a club now also owned by Knighthead Capital Management. He expressed a sentiment of owing "something to the city" for his upbringing and early football development.
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A known aficionado of cricket, Bellingham played the sport at a junior level for Hagley Cricket Club in Worcestershire. He has previously named England Test captain Ben Stokes as a sportsperson he would admire to swap places with, highlighting his genuine interest in the game. The NFL legend Tom Brady is also a minority owner of Birmingham City under Knighthead.
The investment by Bellingham adds another layer to the evolving ownership structure of 'The Hundred'. His involvement is seen as a notable development in the landscape of English cricket's franchise system, linking a prominent athlete to a Birmingham-based team with clear local ties. The Birmingham Phoenix are based at Edgbaston, a major cricket venue.
