Jude Bellingham Becomes Part-Owner of Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred League
Jude Bellingham's New Venture in Cricket
Jude Bellingham, a prominent player for Real Madrid, has made headlines by acquiring a stake in a team within England's 'The Hundred' cricket league. He joins a roster of notable owners, including those from various Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises like the Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants. Bellingham has invested in the Birmingham Phoenix, securing a 1% ownership stake in the franchise.
The Birmingham Phoenix, which plays its home games at the renowned Edgbaston Cricket Ground, has a special significance for Bellingham, who grew up in the area and began his career at Birmingham City. Last year, Knighthead Capital, the owner of Birmingham City, acquired a 49% stake in the cricket team, while Warwickshire County Cricket Club holds the remaining 51%. Bellingham's investment includes a 0.6% share from both parties, with the total value of his stake estimated at $1 million.
Jude Bellingham's Affinity for Cricket
Bellingham has previously expressed his passion for cricket, stating in a recent interview that if given the chance, he would choose to swap places with England's Test cricket captain and all-rounder Ben Stokes. During his youth, he also played for the Hagley Cricket Club before fully committing to a professional football career. Following a challenging season with Real Madrid, where the team is on track to finish without any trophies, Bellingham is anticipated to play a pivotal role for England in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.