Birmingham’s cricket landscape has received an unexpected boost, with Jude Bellingham stepping into the sport as an investor. The Real Madrid star has reportedly acquired a 1.2% stake in the Birmingham Phoenix, marking a rare crossover between elite football and modern cricket.
The 22-year-old England international, who has strong roots in Birmingham, is believed to have invested close to £1 million for the minority stake. The franchise is jointly owned by Knighthead Capital and Warwickshire County Cricket Club. Following Bellingham’s entry, both stakeholders diluted by 0.6%, leaving Warwickshire with a 50.4% majority, while Knighthead holds 48.4%.
Interestingly, Warwickshire had disclosed in January 2026 the sale of a 1.2% stake to an unnamed investor, which is now understood to be Bellingham. An official announcement is expected soon, but the development has already generated significant buzz.
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Bellingham’s connection to cricket isn’t entirely new. Before fully committing to football, he played junior-level cricket for Hagley Cricket Club in Worcestershire. His investment reflects both personal roots and the growing commercial appeal of emerging cricket formats.
Jude Bellingham 🤝 Birmingham Phoenix
He purchases a 1% stake in The Hundred franchise and is a fan of the sport, having played junior cricket for Hagley Cricket Club in Worcestershire. pic.twitter.com/A2MxAcrWOq
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) April 21, 2026
Since its launch in 2021, The Hundred has rapidly attracted global attention, drawing interest from investors and franchises linked to the IPL ecosystem. Teams like Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds already have IPL connections, while Birmingham Phoenix continue to build its own identity.
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Despite the increased investment, Phoenix are still chasing its maiden title in both men’s and women’s competitions after missing out on the playoffs last season. With fresh backing and rising global interest, the tournament’s evolution signals a new era for franchise cricket beyond traditional formats.
