At a glance
- Jude Bellingham buys 1% of Birmingham Phoenix
- Investment strengthens The Hundred’s growing commercial appeal
- Local ties and cricket background shape high-profile move
In a move that blends football stardom with cricket ambition, Jude Bellingham has invested in The Hundred by acquiring a 1% share in Birmingham Phoenix.
The 22-year-old midfielder, currently starring for Real Madrid and a key figure for England national football team, is set to be unveiled by Warwickshire County Cricket Club as a new face behind the franchise.
The deal marks another step in the evolving ownership landscape of The Hundred, as outside investment continues to shape the competition’s future.
Read more about Jude Bellingham and the Spanish football giants through our Read Real Madrid site.
Jude Bellingham takes stake in Birmingham Phoenix
Birmingham Phoenix had already seen a major shift last year when 49% of the franchise was sold to Knighthead Capital Management.
A further 0.5% has now changed hands, with Bellingham emerging as the buyer of both that portion and an additional 0.5% acquired from Knighthead, bringing his total holding to 1%.
Despite the change, Warwickshire retain a controlling 50.5% stake, while Knighthead hold 48.5%. The structure ensures continuity while welcoming fresh influence from one of the most recognisable young athletes in world sport.
Local roots and long-standing cricket connection
For Bellingham, the investment carries a personal dimension. Raised in the West Midlands and educated within a mile of Edgbaston, his ties to the region run deep.
Before his rise through Birmingham City and onto the European stage, he also spent time playing club cricket locally, underlining a long-standing affection for the game.
That connection appears to have been a driving force behind the move. Beyond financial interest, there is a clear intent to support a region that shaped his early career and to contribute to a sport still seeking to broaden its reach.
Approval process clears path for deal
There were contractual hurdles to navigate. The England and Wales Cricket Board had introduced rules limiting the resale of franchise stakes within a five-year period. However, prior agreements and approval from both the governing body and the county allowed this transaction to proceed.
Bellingham’s arrival offers more than a modest shift in ownership percentages. His global profile brings fresh attention to The Hundred, a competition eager to expand its audience.
In a sporting landscape where footballers command vast influence, his involvement could help cricket tap into new fans and reinforce its place in the modern game.
For Birmingham Phoenix and for English cricket more widely, this is a timely boost with a touch of star quality.
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