Real Madrid and England international Jude Bellingham has purchased a minority stake in Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix. The midfielder, who grew up in Birmingham, acquired the stake from both Warwickshire and Knighthead Capital, the American investment fund that co-owns the franchise with the county.
Warwickshire disclosed in their annual report that a transaction involving 1.2% of Phoenix shares was completed in January 2026 to โan investor,โ half of which came from the club. As a result, Warwickshire now holds 50.4% of the franchiseโs shares, Knighthead retains 48.4%, and Bellinghamโs estimated 0.6% stake is valued at roughly ยฃ1 million. The club also reported a โfair valueโ of ยฃ48 million for its controlling interest, based on Knightheadโs previous purchase and a control premium.
Notably, Bellinghamโs roots in Birmingham run deep. He joined Birmingham Cityโs Under-8s academy, became their youngest first-team player at 16, and later moved to Borussia Dortmund for ยฃ22.75 million. In 2023, he joined Real Madrid for around ยฃ88 million. A vocal cricket fan, he played junior cricket for Hagley Cricket Club and has previously expressed admiration for England Test captain Ben Stokes, saying he would choose to swap roles with him for a day.
Jacob Bethell, Ellyse Perry to lead Birmingham
The Phoenix, yet to claim a menโs or womenโs Hundred title, finished outside the play-offs last year. Their menโs team will be led by England batter Jacob Bethell, while Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry will captain the womenโs side this season.ย
Meanwhile, Knightheadโs investment in the Phoenix forms part of a broader plan to develop a โSports Quarterโ in Birmingham, including a new 62,000-seat football stadium and improved transport links. Wagner has described the Hundred as a key element of his commitment to the city.
Warwickshire has so far declined to comment publicly but is expected to officially confirm Bellinghamโs involvement on Wednesday. The investment marks a unique intersection of elite football and cricket in Bellinghamโs hometown.
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