Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in Talks to Invest in Welsh Fire Cricket Team
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are reportedly in talks to expand their sports portfolio by investing in Welsh Fire, a Cardiff-based cricket team that competes in The Hundred tournament.
The Hollywood duo, who have gained international recognition for their ownership of Wrexham AFC, are reportedly interested in acquiring a stake in the franchise, according to Glamorgan chief executive Dan Cherry.
Cherry confirmed that "contact has been made" with Reynolds and McElhenney, but the level of discussions remains unclear.
Why cricket?
The actors' interest comes as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is seeking private investment for The Hundred teams, with 49% of each franchise up for sale. Glamorgan, which owns a 51% stake in Welsh Fire, is open to talks and sees this as an exciting opportunity to boost the sport's profile in Wales.
The ECB’s move to sell part of The Hundred franchises is part of a broader effort to raise funds, with the target set at £500 million. Along with Reynolds and McElhenney, the ECB has reached out to other potential investors, including owners from the Indian Premier League (IPL), NFL, and private equity groups.
The talks come at a pivotal moment for Welsh Fire, which has struggled in past editions of The Hundred. Investment from high-profile figures like Reynolds and McElhenney could bring new energy and attention to the franchise, much like their impact on Wrexham. Whether the deal goes through or not, it’s clear that Welsh Fire’s future could look very different in the coming years.
Reynolds and McElhenney to potentially add another sporting feather to their hat
Reynolds and McElhenney have already made waves in the sports world with their successful ownership of Wrexham AFC. Their involvement helped bring global attention to the club, which has seen back-to-back promotions and a return to the English Football League after 15 years.
Cherry hopes that similar success could be replicated with Welsh Fire, stating that the duo’s investment could help “grow the brand globally” as they did with Wrexham.
"Financially, it's a great opportunity for us," Cherry told BBC Sport Wales. "We could reinvest into the stadium, the team, and recreational cricket in Wales. The Hundred has already brought in large family crowds, and this could inspire the next generation of cricketers."
While the possibility of name changes or restructuring has been hinted at, Cherry emphasised that Glamorgan is keeping its options open.
“We’re open-minded about our 51% stake and control. If we find the right partner, we’ll have discussions to see what works for both parties,” he added.
For Reynolds and McElhenney, this could be another feather in their sporting cap. In addition to Wrexham, they already hold stakes in Mexican football club Necaxa and the Alpine Formula 1 team, showing a clear interest in expanding their sports ventures across different fields.
