Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have made headlines for their significant investment in Wrexham AFC. The duo, known for their roles in Hollywood, acquired the struggling Welsh soccer club for $2.5 million in 2020. Since then, they have transformed the team into a successful franchise, with three promotions in as many years. However, their financial commitment to Wrexham has only increased over time.
During the season 2 premiere of their show "Welcome to Wrexham" in September 2023, Reynolds jokingly mentioned that he would be willing to sell one of his four children with Blake Lively to raise the $25.5 million needed for the team. The financial challenges faced by McElhenney and Reynolds were evident, with a reported loss of $12 million at one point.
One of the major expenses for the duo has been the expansion of Wrexham’s Racecourse stadium. Despite facing setbacks, including a rejection of government funding initially, they proceeded with the construction of a new stand. This project left them with a net profit of negative $456,458.
In addition to the men’s team, Wrexham AFC also established a women’s team, which faced similar financial constraints due to league regulations. However, by joining the Adran Premier League, the women’s team transitioned to a semi-professional status and started receiving payments.
As of the season 4 premiere in May 2025, Wrexham’s value was estimated to be nearly $12 million, with a wage bill of $8.22 million. The pivotal moment for the team came when they had to decide whether to stay in League One with a stable financial situation or take a risk for promotion to the Championship League. McElhenney and Reynolds opted for the latter, investing approximately $50 million to secure a promotion, which they successfully achieved in April 2025.
The decision to go all-in for promotion demonstrated the duo’s commitment to Wrexham’s success, despite the financial challenges they have faced. With Reynolds exclaiming, "Let’s f***ing do it," the future looks promising for Wrexham AFC under the ownership of McElhenney and Reynolds.
