Bellingham invests in Birmingham Hundred franchise

English international Jude Bellingham has acquired a 1% share in the Birmingham Phoenix cricket team. The transaction, expected to be finalized on Wednesday, is valued at roughly £800,000. This marks his entry into the sport, adding to his existing passion for cricket.

Franchise ownership structure revealed

Last year, all eight teams in The Hundred were placed on the market. Knighthead Capital Management, the entity behind Bellingham’s former club Birmingham City, secured a 49% stake for £48 million. Warwickshire maintained their majority ownership with 51%.

Cricket roots and admiration

Bellingham, a lifelong supporter of the sport, played junior cricket with Hagley Cricket Club in Worcestershire. In a previous interview, he expressed a desire to trade places with England Test captain Ben Stokes, highlighting his respect for the player. The group also includes NFL icon Brady, who is part of Knighthead’s leadership.

Asked last year which athlete he would swap roles with, Bellingham named England’s Test captain Ben Stokes as his choice.

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