England and Real Madrid footballer Jude Bellingham has purchased a minority stake in The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix, saying he 'owes the city something'. The 22-year-old has taken a 1.2% holding in the Edgbaston-based team, with the deal valued at more than £800,000.
The stake includes 0.6% from Warwickshire and 0.6% from American investment partners Knighthead Capital. The Phoenix franchise was valued at around £82 million when Knighthead acquired a 49% stake during the sales process initiated by the England and Wales Cricket Board last year.
Bellingham, who grew up in Stourbridge and started his football career with Birmingham City, also played cricket for Hagley in Worcestershire as a junior. 'I love Birmingham. I'm very grateful for what the whole city of Birmingham has done for me,' he said. 'I love cricket as well so when I got the opportunity to get involved I didn't really think twice about it.'
The midfielder emphasised the importance of providing sporting opportunities for children in the city. 'I think it's so important to get our kids in the city out there playing sports,' he added. 'Some kids don't have that opportunity. It's important that if I can get involved in something like this to shine a light on an opportunity for kids, then even better.'
Stuart Cain, chief executive at Warwickshire, welcomed Bellingham's involvement. 'Jude loved cricket as a youngster and has wanted to be involved since The Hundred first went to market to secure investors,' he said. 'He understands high-performance sport, but more importantly... he understands the importance of sport and how it can play a positive role in young people's lives.'
Jacob Bethell will captain Phoenix this summer, with Australia's Ellyse Perry leading the women's team. Their first fixture is at home on 24 July, with the final at Lord's on 16 August.
