Jude Bellingham Acquires Stake in Birmingham Phoenix
Birmingham—Jude Bellingham, the England international and Real Madrid midfielder, has purchased a minority stake in the Birmingham Phoenix, a franchise in the Hundred cricket competition. Bellingham, who has strong ties to Birmingham, acquired the stake from Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Knighthead Capital, the American investment fund co-owning the franchise.
According to Warwickshire’s annual report, a transaction involving 1.2% of the Phoenix shares was finalized in January 2026, with half of that share coming from the club itself. Following this transaction, Warwickshire holds 50.4% of the franchise, while Knighthead retains 48.4%. Bellingham’s estimated 0.6% stake is valued at approximately £1 million. The club provided a “fair value” valuation of £48 million for its controlling interest based on Knighthead’s earlier purchase and an associated control premium.
Bellingham’s connection to Birmingham is profound. He joined the Birmingham City academy at the young age of eight and became the club’s youngest first-team player at 16 before transferring to Borussia Dortmund for £22.75 million. In 2023, he moved to Real Madrid for around £88 million. An avid cricket enthusiast, Bellingham also played junior cricket for Hagley Cricket Club and has previously expressed admiration for England Test captain Ben Stokes, indicating he would gladly swap places with him for a day.
The Birmingham Phoenix has yet to secure a title in either men’s or women’s competitions within the Hundred format. The men’s team will be captained by England batter Jacob Bethell, while Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry will lead the women’s side this season.
Knighthead’s investment into the Phoenix is part of a larger initiative to develop a ‘Sports Quarter’ in Birmingham, which will feature a new 62,000-seat football stadium and enhanced transport links. Wagner has emphasized the Hundred as a pivotal aspect of his commitment to the city.
As of now, Warwickshire has not publicly commented on the matter but is expected to officially announce Bellingham’s involvement shortly. This investment reflects a unique fusion of elite football and cricket in Bellingham’s hometown.
