Hollywood’s Soccer Takeover
The global trend of celebrities investing in soccer clubs shows no sign of slowing down. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the duo behind Wrexham's much-publicized revival, remain at the forefront of this movement. Despite Wrexham’s reported $11.3 million in losses over the past three years, Reynolds is reportedly preparing for another bold investment.
This summer, Reynolds and McElhenney sold a 5% stake in Wrexham, using the proceeds to acquire minority ownership in Mexican soccer club Club Necaxa. They’re part of the Tylis-Porter investment group, which includes high-profile names like Eva Longoria, Kate Upton, Mesut Özil, Odell Beckham Jr., and Justin Verlander. Now, according to South American sports journalist Mariano Olsen, the group has set their sights on La Equidad, a Colombia-based club competing in Categoria Primera A.
Founded in 1982, La Equidad is valued at around $16 million and calls the 10,000-seat Estadio Metropolitano de Techo home. While the club has yet to claim a major title, its potential is undeniable. If the deal, expected to close in January, materializes, Reynolds and his team could replicate the Wrexham model — leveraging celebrity clout to boost revenue, fan engagement, and long-term growth.
But why would Reynolds double down on soccer investments when Wrexham remains unprofitable? The Hollywood duo initially poured $2.5 million into Wrexham, but as of June 2023, the club’s wage bill surged by 70%, reaching $8.7 million, contributing to $6.4 million in losses for the year. Wrexham’s revenue hit $13.2 million during the same period, showing promise despite the financial hurdles.
“These losses were deemed necessary to allow the club to maximize its full potential in the shortest time practically possible,” Wrexham explained in a financial statement. Reynolds and McElhenney remain committed to recovering their investment over time, while their strategic moves hint at a bigger vision for their growing soccer portfolio.
With the imminent addition of La Equidad, Reynolds and his fellow investors could further redefine how celebrity-driven investments shape the future of global soccer.
