Jude Bellingham - The Real Madrid and England midfielder has taken a minority stake in English cricket by buying 1% of the Birmingham Phoenix, a franchise in The Hundred, a move that underscores growing crossover investment in sports and arrives amid a sharp rise in the franchise's valuation.
- In short: Bellingham purchased a 1% stake in Birmingham Phoenix for approximately €920,000 as institutional investors lift the franchise's market value.
Understand the dynamics
The acquisition was structured from two sources: half of the 1% came from Knighthead Capital’s holding and the other half from Warwickshire County Cricket Club, which retains 51% control of Birmingham Phoenix. This mirrors a broader trend of elite athletes and private funds taking minority positions in alternative sports assets. For background on The Hundred and its role in English cricket, see The Hundred overview at ESPNcricinfo.
The move places Bellingham alongside other high-profile investors linked to Knighthead’s group, which also controls Birmingham City and counts Tom Brady among its investors.
"the operation involved the purchase of 1% of the franchise for approximately €920,000."
Context and impact
In 2024, Knighthead Capital bought 49% of Birmingham Phoenix for about £4 million; subsequent revaluation put the franchise at roughly £82 million, signaling significant market appreciation and attracting new capital. The transaction highlights how short-format cricket franchises built since The Hundred's 2021 launch have become investable assets for non-traditional backers.
For fans and investors, the deal raises questions about commercial strategy, governance and how celebrity-backed stakes may influence club direction and community ties. It also illustrates a broader pattern of cross-sport investment where football stars diversify holdings into emerging sports properties.
What do you think? Will high-profile investors like Bellingham accelerate commercial growth in cricket? For more details, check out our specialized section.