How much did Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney pay to buy Wrexham AFC?

Wrexham AFC made history by achieving three consecutive promotions. The Welsh team currently play in the Championship, with realistic dreams of the Premier League.

Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have propelled Wrexham to a new level of fame after purchasing the club in November of 2020. Since then, the Welsh side has seen heightened levels of interest in everything from media coverage to documentaries to increased social media activity, prompting many to ask the same question: How much does it cost to buy a football club? Well, clearly the answer depends on various factors, including which league the club plays in.

How much did Wrexham cost Reynolds and McElhenney?

Multiple reports all indicated that the price the Hollywood duo paid for the rights to own Wrexham was around £2 million ($2.5 million). Compare that to the several billions that the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea or Liverpool would cost! Ever since then, the club has had major work both on and off the pitch.

The squad has been revamped, promotions have followed, and this season they have had a strong showing in England’s second tier, which has led to the team being in contention for a playoff spot and a chance to reach the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. Off the field, the club now operates as a truly professional entity, with a physiotherapy team and high-profile sponsors.

Why does Welsh club Wrexham play in English league?

Wrexham, just like Swansea, Cardiff City, Newport County, and Merthyr Town, play as part of the English Football League structure as no Welsh football league existed when they were formed. Although the Cymru Premier (the name of the Welsh Premier League) was created in 1992 – incidentally the same year when the more renowned English Premier League appeared – these clubs have remained in the English system.

As well as access to the domestic leagues, which leads ultimately to the EPL, these clubs also play in the English FA Cup and from 2012 fall under the administration of the English FA. Although Swansea and Cardiff have been the most successful of the Welsh teams, a new script is being written at Wrexham. Time will tell if it ever hits the big screen...

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