Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s stewardship of Wrexham AFC has transformed from an unexpected takeover to a remarkable success story that keeps gaining momentum. As the Welsh club sits third in League One, just four points from automatic promotion spots, questions about the sustainability of this Hollywood-backed dream have emerged, only to be dismissed by those closest to the project.
The journey began in 2021 when the unlikely duo completed their takeover of the historic Welsh club, setting in motion a series of achievements that have captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. Back-to-back promotions, record-breaking title wins, and memorable trips to Wembley have turned the once-struggling club into a global phenomenon, complete with Las Vegas celebration tours and a steady stream of celebrity visitors to the SToK Racecourse Ground.
Former Wales international and ex-Wrexham manager Dean Saunders has offered unique insights into the sustainability of this ambitious project. Speaking in association with 888sport, Saunders addressed the burning question of whether Reynolds and McElhenney might eventually lose interest in their Welsh football venture. His assessment paints a picture of two owners who have transformed their initial investment into a self-sustaining enterprise through clever commercial partnerships.
“The financial dynamics are fascinating,” Saunders explains. While running a club at this level typically requires deep pockets, Reynolds and McElhenney have crafted a unique business model. Through high-profile sponsorship deals with companies like TikTok and revenue from their award-winning documentary series, they’ve created multiple income streams that potentially offset the substantial costs of running the club.
This financial acumen sets them apart from traditional football club owners. Rather than constantly dipping into their personal fortunes, the Hollywood duo has leveraged their celebrity status and business savvy to create a more sustainable model. The success of their documentary series has not only generated significant revenue but has also helped build a global fan base for a club that was previously known only to dedicated football followers in Wales and England.
The geographical advantage of Wrexham’s location adds another layer of potential to this ambitious project. Saunders highlights a crucial detail that many might overlook: “From Wrexham to Cardiff, you’re looking at a three-hour journey with no Football League clubs in between. The catchment area for Wrexham is absolutely remarkable.” This unique position in the Welsh football landscape presents an opportunity for significant growth in the club’s supporter base.
The potential for expansion seems to be at the forefront of the owners’ minds. There have been discussions about increasing the stadium capacity, but Saunders suggests even more ambitious possibilities: “I wouldn’t be surprised if they built a new stadium entirely. The potential exists to attract crowds of 30,000 to 40,000 once everything falls into place.” This vision of expansion aligns with the owners’ demonstrated commitment to building something lasting rather than seeking quick returns on their investment.
Current manager Phil Parkinson has maintained the momentum on the field, guiding the team to a strong position in League One. The Red Dragons’ current third-place standing, with a crucial upcoming match against fellow promotion hopefuls Mansfield, suggests that the team’s sporting ambitions match the owners’ off-field vision.
What sets Reynolds and McElhenney apart from other celebrity owners is their genuine enthusiasm for the project. As Saunders notes, “This isn’t just an investment for them – it’s evolved into something they truly love.” This emotional investment, combined with their business acumen, suggests a long-term commitment that goes beyond mere financial considerations.
The success story has implications beyond Wrexham itself. It demonstrates how modern football ownership can combine traditional sporting ambitions with innovative commercial strategies. The owners’ ability to leverage their Hollywood connections and social media presence has created a template for how smaller clubs might approach growth in the digital age.
Looking ahead, the Premier League dream doesn’t seem as far-fetched as it might have when the takeover was first announced. The club’s rapid rise through the divisions, coupled with its growing financial stability and expanding fan base, suggests that while the journey might be challenging, the foundations for continued success are being methodically laid.
As Wrexham prepares for their upcoming match against Mansfield, the story continues to evolve. What started as an unexpected Hollywood takeover has developed into a masterclass in modern football club ownership, combining sporting success with commercial innovation. For Reynolds and McElhenney, this appears to be more than just another business venture – it’s become a passion project with the potential to reshape how we think about football club ownership in the modern era.
