Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham said a deep gratitude towards his home city of Birmingham was behind his decision to buy a minority stake in cricket franchise Birmingham Phoenix.
The England midfielder has taken a 1.2 percent stake in the Edgbaston-based Hundred team at a reported cost of more than £800,000 ($1 million).
The Phoenix franchise was valued at around £82m when Knighthead Capital acquired a 49 per cent stake last year in a sale process initiated by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Bellingham, who grew up in nearby Stourbridge and started his career with Birmingham City, is a big cricket fan and played for Hagley in Worcestershire as a junior.
«I love Birmingham. I’m very grateful for what the whole city of Birmingham has done for me,» said the 22-year-old.
“I love cricket too, so when I got the chance to get involved I didn’t really think twice about it, so I’m so happy to be on board.
«I got the best education in football, in life through Birmingham City. I feel I owe the city something.»
Legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady is also part of the Knighthead group that owns Birmingham City.
Stakes in the eight city franchises – all of which have men’s and women’s teams – were sold to private investors last year, raising huge sums for cricket in England and Wales.
The 2026 edition of the Hundred starts on July 21 and lasts four weeks.
Published on April 22, 2026
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