England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has become a new investor in the Birmingham Phoenix, a team in The Hundred, ahead of the 2026 season. Bellingham, who grew up in Stourbridge, expressed his gratitude to the city of Birmingham, stating that he feels he 'owes' the city and wants to give back through his involvement with the team.
He will focus on community engagement and corporate social responsibility projects, aiming to increase participation in cricket and bring people together through sports. Bellingham has acquired 1.2% of the team's equity, while Warwickshire County Cricket Club maintains majority control with 50.4%, and Birmingham City owners Knighthead Capital Management hold 48.4%. In an interview, Bellingham shared his love for cricket, which he developed during his childhood, and emphasized the importance of remembering his roots and staying true to his values.
He believes that cricket instills class and elegance in young players and thinks that football could learn from the sport's light-heartedness and humor. Bellingham's investment is part of a larger overhaul in The Hundred, with over £520m in private investment being injected into the tournament. The 2026 season will feature every match live on Sky Sports, including the eliminators and finals, with a women's game preceding a men's fixture at the same venue each day.