In a landmark move that signals their Premier League ambitions are closer than ever, Wrexham AFC co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have officially sold a strategic minority stake to the ownership group behind Spanish giants Atlético Madrid. The deal, announced earlier this week, brings Apollo Sports Capital (ASC)—who recently acquired a majority stake in Atlético—into the fold at the STōK Cae Ras, providing the Welsh club with substantial financial firepower and unprecedented access to an elite European football network.
A Champions League-Level Partnership for Wrexham
This isn't just a financial transaction; it is a footballing alliance. By partnering with the entity that controls Atlético Madrid, Wrexham gains immediate access to one of the world's most sophisticated scouting networks and player development systems. For a club currently battling for a playoff spot in the EFL Championship, this technical infrastructure could be the differentiator in their push for a historic promotion to the Premier League.
"The dream has always been to take this club to the Premier League while staying true to the town," Reynolds and McElhenney said in a joint statement released Friday. "Growth like that takes world-class partners who share our vision and ambition, and this partnership delivers exactly that. We are bringing Champions League-level expertise to North Wales."
Fueling the Premier League Push
The timing is impeccable. With Wrexham sitting 6th in the Championship table and the 2025/26 season entering its critical final months, the investment provides immediate resources. Sources close to the deal confirm that a significant portion of the capital is earmarked for the completion of the Kop Stand redevelopment and potential squad reinforcements for the final run-in. The partnership reportedly allows Wrexham to tap into Atlético’s global scouting database, potentially unearthing hidden gems that can thrive in the intense physical environment of England's second tier.
The Business of Soccer: A Global Network
This move creates a powerful multi-club ownership synergy. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been steadily building a global sports portfolio, having previously invested in Mexican side Club Necaxa and brought on the New York-based Allyn family as minority investors in late 2024. Now, by aligning with the heavyweights behind Atlético Madrid, they have solidified Wrexham's status as a global player in soccer business news 2026.
Industry analysts suggest this "strategic stake" is designed to bypass the traditional learning curve of newly promoted clubs. Instead of building a Premier League-ready infrastructure from scratch, Wrexham can now leverage the operational blueprints of a club that has won multiple La Liga titles and reached Champions League finals. It’s a shortcut to sustainability that few Championship clubs could ever dream of.
What This Means for the Fans
For the faithful at the Racecourse Ground, the message is clear: the Hollywood owners are not cashing out; they are doubling down. Reynolds and McElhenney remain the controlling owners, ensuring the community-first culture of Welcome to Wrexham remains intact. This investment validates the club's trajectory, proving that the "Wrexham Experiment" was never a gimmick—it was a serious ascent to the top of the English football pyramid.
As Wrexham prepares for a crucial weekend clash that could solidify their playoff standing, the mood in the town is electric. The Dragons aren't just riding a wave of publicity anymore; they are now powered by the same engine that drives one of Europe's footballing royalty.
