Jude Bellingham has added a new chapter to his growing portfolio, entering the world of cricket with a stake in the Birmingham Phoenix. The Real Madrid star has been given a 1.2% stake in the franchise, marking a rare crossover between elite football and franchise cricket.
The nearly £1 million investment comes from equal stakes taken from Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Knighthead Capital Management. Warwickshire continues to hold majority control at 50.4%, while Knighthead, the group that also owns Birmingham City, retains 48.4%.
Bellingham’s entry adds more star power to The Hundred’s ecosystem, which is increasingly attracting global investors and sports names. The Edgbaston-based franchise was one of eight teams put up for sale last year, with Knighthead taking a significant stake for £40m.
Beyond the numbers, the move reflects Bellingham’s long association with cricket. The 22-year-old is known to be a keen follower of the sport and even played junior cricket during his early years, once saying that he would prefer to swap careers with Ben Stokes.
Seven-time NFL champion Tom Brady, who is part of the Knighthead group, is also associated with the franchise, underscoring The Hundred’s growing global appeal.
BELLINGHAM’S BIRMINGHAM CONNECT
For Bellingham, this investment is as much about roots as it is about opportunity. Having grown up in the West Midlands and coming through the ranks at Birmingham City, the move comes with a strong personal touch.
“I love Birmingham. I’m very grateful for what the whole city of Birmingham has done for me. I also love cricket so when I got the opportunity to get involved I didn’t think twice about it, so I’m so happy to be on board,” Bellingham said.
He also talked about giving back to the city that shaped him.
“I got the best education in football, in life, through Birmingham City. I feel like I owe the city something. It’s hard right now with how busy I am with football, but if there’s a way I can help, then I want to and this feels like a good way.”
The England international also highlighted the role sport can play in shaping young lives.
“I think it’s so important to get our kids into the city to play sports. I think it’s essential. The opportunity to be part of Birmingham Phoenix is to try and help people realize there are different paths. Some people will enjoy football, some people will enjoy cricket.”
Bellingham’s involvement is expected to go beyond just ownership, with Warwickshire saying it will play a role in community engagement and development initiatives in the region.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
22 Apr 2026 16:14 IST
