England midfielder Jude Bellingham has purchased a 1.2% stake in cricket franchise Birmingham Phoenix describing the move as a personal way of giving back to his hometown.
“I feel like I owe the city something,” Bellingham said.
The 22-year-old, who grew up in Stourbridge just outside Birmingham, has invested close to £1 million in the city’s Hundred franchise.
Bellingham came through the academy at Birmingham City before making a high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund. The club later retired his number 22 shirt in recognition of his rapid rise.
He now plays for Real Madrid, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2024 and has established himself as a key player for the England national team earning 46 international caps.
“I love Birmingham,” Bellingham said, who is also a cricket fan and played junior cricket for Hagley Cricket Club in Worcestershire.
“I’m very grateful for what the whole city of Birmingham has done for me. I love cricket as well, so when I got the opportunity to get involved I didn’t really think twice about it.
“I feel like I owe the city something. Right now it’s difficult with how busy I am with football but if there’s a way I can help, I want to and this feels like a good way.”
Birmingham Phoenix Ownership Structure
The Edgbaston-based Birmingham Phoenix is one of eight franchises competing in The Hundred. The team was previously partially sold to US-based investment group Knighthead Capital Management, which also owns Birmingham City, Bellingham’s former club.
Warwickshire County Cricket Club retains a controlling 51% stake in the franchise ensuring majority control of the team’s operations.
Bellingham’s stake has been acquired from existing ownership partners with Warwickshire now holding 50.4% overall.
Focus on Grassroots Sport
Beyond investment, Bellingham emphasized his desire to support grassroots sport and inspire young athletes.
“I want to let kids know there are opportunities to go and enjoy sports,” he said.
“I was fortunate growing up to have both cricket and football available but not every child has that chance.
“If I can shine a light on that, then even better.”
Sporting Connections
Bellingham has previously stated that he would choose England Test captain Ben Stokes as the athlete he would most like to swap places with.
NFL legend Tom Brady is also part of the Knighthead investment group highlighting the growing crossover between elite sport and business ownership.
Keywords
Jude Bellingham news, Birmingham Phoenix, The Hundred cricket, BBC Sport style article, Real Madrid midfielder, England football team, Birmingham City academy, sports investment UK, Tom Brady Knighthead, Ben Stokes cricket, athlete business ventures, football and cricket crossover, UK sports news 2026, grassroots sport development
Asian Burg | Sports Desk
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