Frank Christian
Wrexham was operating as a non-league team until its acquisition by affluent actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021.
The two Hollywood stars became deeply invested in football, aiding Wrexham in achieving promotion back to the fourth tier of English football in 2023, marking their return to league status.
This remarkable turnaround is a testament to Reynolds’ growing wealth, enabling him to inject unprecedented financial resources into the club’s 159-year legacy.
Wondering about the financial standings of these two owners? Here’s a closer look at Reynolds and McElhenney, who recently received Freedom of the Borough honors in Wrexham.
Ryan Reynolds’ Wealth
As of July 2024, Ryan Reynolds’ net worth was estimated at approximately $350 million (£280.8 million), according to Celebrity Net Worth.
His fortune significantly surged after the sale of Mint Mobile, where he held a 25 percent stake, to T-Mobile for $1.35 billion (£1.1 billion) in March 2023, likely adding around $300 million (£240.7 million) to his wealth. This came after the lucrative sale of Aviation Gin in 2020, which was valued at over $600 million (£481.4 million), with Reynolds owning 10 percent.
Additionally, Reynolds has enjoyed financial success from his film career, with earnings from the Deadpool franchise reportedly totaling $40 million (£32.1 million) prior to the 2024 release of Deadpool & Wolverine.
Rob McElhenney’s Wealth
Born in Philadelphia, Rob McElhenney is well-known for his role as Mac in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and his contributions to the show’s development. His net worth is estimated to be around $50 million (£40.1 million).
In June 2023, alongside Reynolds, McElhenney ventured into the sports world by acquiring a 24 percent stake in the Formula 1 team Alpine Racing.
BREAKING: Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds is part of an investor group taking a 24% equity stake in Alpine #F1 pic.twitter.com/0K2867UBOg
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 26, 2023
This €200 million ($214.3 million / £171 million) investment valued Alpine Racing at approximately $879.9 million (£706 million). The team finished fourth in the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship Constructors’ Championship, trailing behind Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.
Cost of Acquiring Wrexham
With substantial financial backing, Reynolds’ acquisition of Wrexham appears to have been a bargain.
The duo purchased the club for £2 million ($2.5 million) in 2021. However, they have since invested significantly to stabilize and enhance the team’s competitive edge, achieving promotion to League Two.
For instance, star player Paul Mullin reportedly earns an annual salary of £234,000 ($291,600), and they spent £300,000 ($373,900) alone on pitch repairs during the 2021/22 season.
Reasons Behind Wrexham Purchase
Prior to this endeavor, Reynolds was not particularly interested in football, but their friendship prompted the pair to buy Wrexham.
“One day Rob sends me an email that outlines his plan to buy a lower-league club and grow it into something more resembling a global force,” Reynolds mentioned to The Athletic in 2022.
“The vision he presented was unexpected and thrilling. I’m passionate about building businesses, and this is a unique opportunity.”
They were drawn to Wrexham for its rich legacy, the local community’s connection to the club, and the prospect of reviving a historic institution facing challenges.
Promotion Possibilities for Wrexham
Wrexham, now a League One team, may view this position as a stepping stone toward eventually reaching the Premier League.
The structure of English football allows clubs like Wrexham to ascend through the leagues, a journey they have already begun by reaching the third division.
Historically, Wrexham has fluctuated between divisions but has yet to play at the highest level, which has been recognized as the Premier League since 1992.
“Anything can happen in football,” Reynolds stated in an interview with Sky Sports. “A remarkable team can face an upset, so why couldn’t Wrexham dream of reaching the Premier League one day?”
“Every day holds the possibility of dreams unfolding here, so why not dream big?”
