Wrexham AFC Welcomes Apollo Sports Capital as Minority Investor

Wrexham AFC, the historic Welsh soccer club co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has sold a minority stake to Apollo Sports Capital, a U.S.-based private equity firm. The announcement was made on Monday, although specific financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This investment is aimed at supporting the redevelopment of Wrexham's Racecourse Ground and enhancing the club's infrastructure as it aspires to reach the Premier League.

Reynolds and Mac sell stake in Wrexham AFC to major sport investorsESPNRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney sell Wrexham stake to investors worth $900 billion

Since acquiring Wrexham in February 2021, Reynolds and McElhenney have overseen a remarkable transformation of the club, which has achieved three consecutive promotions, elevating it to the Championship, one tier below the Premier League. The club's rise has been accompanied by increased global visibility, partly due to the Disney docuseries "Welcome to Wrexham." The recent investment from Apollo follows a previous stake sale to the Allyn family, further diversifying the club's ownership structure.

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Apollo Sports Capital's investment is believed to be less than 10% of the club, with an overall valuation estimated at around £350 million. The funds will primarily be directed towards the redevelopment of the Racecourse Ground, including the construction of a new Kop stand, which is part of the broader Wrexham Gateway Project aimed at revitalizing the local area. The redevelopment is also strategically timed to align with a potential bid for the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac sell minority Wrexham stake to new Atletico Madrid owners with added funding for stadium redevelopment

In a joint statement, Reynolds and McElhenney expressed their excitement about the partnership, stating, “The dream has always been to take this club to the Premier League while staying true to the town. Growth like that takes world-class partners who share our vision and ambition, and Apollo absolutely does.” Lee Solomon, a partner at Apollo, emphasized the firm's commitment to supporting Wrexham's goals and contributing to the local economy.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney sell Wrexham stake to investors worth $900 billion

While the investment has been largely welcomed, some critics have raised concerns about the "key person risk" associated with Wrexham's reliance on its celebrity owners. The club's valuation, which some analysts deem excessive for a Championship side, has also sparked debate regarding the sustainability of such financial assessments in the long term.

Reynolds and Mac sell stake in Wrexham AFC to major sport investors

Following the announcement, Wrexham is set to continue its campaign in the Championship, currently positioned 12th in the standings. The club aims to solidify its place in the league while preparing for the next phases of its redevelopment plans. The partnership with Apollo Sports Capital is expected to play a crucial role in this journey, as Wrexham seeks to enhance its facilities and community engagement.

New York Times

• “Wrexham is on an incredible journey, and we are thrilled to be a part of it and to support the club, the Wrexham community and Rob and Ryan,” — Lee Solomon, Apollo Partner

New York Times

• “From day one, we wanted to build a sustainable future for Wrexham Association Football Club.” — Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Co-Owners

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