England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has become a new investor in The Hundred's Birmingham Phoenix, ahead of the 2026 season, driven by a sense of obligation to the city of Birmingham. Bellingham, who grew up in Stourbridge, will focus on community engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility projects, aiming to increase cricket participation and bring people together through sports. With a 1.2 percent stake, Bellingham joins Warwickshire County Cricket Club, which maintains majority control with 50.4 percent, and Birmingham City owners Knighthead Capital Management, holding 48.4 percent.
In an interview, Bellingham expressed his love for cricket, recalling how he and his brother Jobe would compete in the sport as children, and how it has become his favorite thing to watch outside of football. Bellingham's investment is part of a broader overhaul in The Hundred, with over £520m in private investment injected since last year. The 2026 season will see significant changes, including three teams rebranding with new Indian Premier League-based owners.
Every match, including the eliminators and finals, will be live on Sky Sports from July 21 to August 16.