**Wrexham’s Hollywood Owners Celebrate Financial and Footballing Success after Championship Promotion**
Wrexham AFC, the historic north Welsh football side no stranger to headlines in recent years, have once again captured the attention of supporters and pundits alike with a stunning ascent to the Championship. Co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, famous for their exploits in Hollywood as much as in Wrexham’s boardroom, are set to enjoy a significant financial windfall on the back of their club’s latest sporting achievement.
In their latest league outing, Wrexham secured their third promotion in as many seasons, sealing a place in next season’s Championship following an emphatic 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic. The win not only confirmed The Red Dragons’ upward momentum but also extended an impressive nine-match unbeaten run. There was further cause for celebration as rivals Wycombe Wanderers lost to Leyton Orient, ensuring Wrexham could not be overtaken regardless of the outcome in their final match.
The jump into England’s second tier doesn’t just signify progression on the pitch. According to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, the club’s new status brings with it a noteworthy boost in revenue streams, particularly from television rights. “Wrexham made three times as much money as any other club in League Two, and more than any other club in League One,” Maguire explained in an interview with talkSPORT. He went on to note that the club is already generating fiscal returns in line with many established Championship outfits, suggesting that their off-pitch commercial strategy is bearing substantial fruit.
Central to this financial renaissance is Wrexham’s transformation into a globally recognised football brand. The surge in popularity has been largely driven by the club’s presence in documentary streaming series, helping their shirt and badge become an international staple. “I was teaching in Charlotte, Carolina last year, and the only football shirts I saw were Wrexham’s,” Maguire added, highlighting the club’s surprising reach far from the Racecourse Ground.
With entry into the Championship comes inclusion in a lucrative television share agreement, reportedly netting the club an additional £8 million. This puts Reynolds and McElhenney’s project on near-equal footing with most of their new league rivals, aside from those still benefiting from Premier League parachute payments. The financial upturn is expected to facilitate continued investment in both the playing squad and the club’s infrastructure.
Wrexham’s climb through the divisions has been nothing short of remarkable. After emerging as champions of the National League in the 2022-23 season, the club achieved automatic promotion from League Two the following year. Manager Phil Parkinson’s side had already surpassed their previous season’s points tally, and even with the chance of one more win, they finish behind current leaders Birmingham City. Nonetheless, their back-to-back promotions have silenced any doubters and invigorated a loyal fanbase.
This summer saw the club reinforce their squad with a number of key signings designed to consolidate their position near the top of League One. Notably, Ollie Rathbone, a former Manchester United academy prospect, found the net in a recent win over Blackpool and played a crucial part in the victory against Charlton. Sam Smith, a January acquisition from Reading, continued his fine scoring form by adding two goals, underlining the return on investment by the owners in player recruitment.
Behind the touchline, manager Phil Parkinson continues to receive plaudits for his leadership during this remarkable period. Both Reynolds and McElhenney have been quick to credit his steady hand, with Reynolds stating, “You can look at so many beating hearts at this club and it all starts with Phil.”
As Wrexham prepare for life in the Championship, excitement around the town is only matched by growing anticipation among global followers. Club officials are expected to continue leveraging both their new financial power and universal appeal, hoping that the fairytale journey led by their celebrity custodians is only just beginning.