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Jude Bellingham buys stake in Birmingham Phoenix
England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has made a surprising move into cricket ownership, purchasing a minority stake in The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix.
The 22-year-old midfielder has acquired roughly a 1–1.2% share in the team, marking his entry into the business side of sport. The investment is reportedly valued at around £800,000 to £1 million, with shares sourced from existing stakeholders.
Birmingham Phoenix, which competes in The Hundred, remains majority-owned by Warwickshire County Cricket Club, while investment firm Knighthead Capital continues to hold a significant stake.
Bellingham, who grew up in the Birmingham area, said his decision was driven by a desire to give back to his hometown and support opportunities for young people in sport. He has also expressed a long-standing interest in cricket, having played the game during his youth.
His involvement is expected to focus largely on community initiatives and youth development, rather than day-to-day cricket operations.
The move highlights a growing trend of crossover investments between football and cricket, and adds star power to The Hundred ahead of its upcoming 2026 season.
