Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder and England international, has announced a new venture that ties him back to his hometown of Birmingham. The young star will become a shareholder in the Birmingham Phoenix, one of the eight teams that compete in The Hundred, the innovative 100‑ball cricket competition that will return for its 2026 season. Bellingham said publicly that he feels a sense of obligation to the city that nurtured his early sporting life, and he sees this investment as a meaningful way to give back.
Born and raised in Stourbridge, a suburb of Birmingham, Bellingham has always spoken fondly of his upbringing. He will acquire a 1.2 percent stake in the Phoenix, while Warwickshire County Cricket Club retains a controlling 50.4 percent share and Knighthead Capital Management – the firm that owns Birmingham City FC and counts NFL legend Tom Brady among its minority investors – holds the remaining 48.4 percent.
The arrangement gives the footballer a modest but symbolic foothold in the cricketing side of his hometown. In a press release, Bellingham explained his motivation: "I feel like I owe the city something. And this feels like a good way." He added that he hopes the partnership will allow him to support community outreach and corporate‑social‑responsibility projects, using sport as a bridge between people of diverse backgrounds.
The former Birmingham City academy graduate said he wants to see cricket participation rise in the West Midlands and to foster a sense of unity through the game. Bellingham’s affection for cricket goes back to childhood. In an interview with Warwickshire CCC he recalled how he and his brother Jobe would turn any spare moment into a makeshift match, often ending in friendly scrapes.
"Cricket is probably my favourite thing to watch outside football," he said, noting that the longer format – especially Test matches – holds a special place in his heart. He enjoys the ritual of the toss, the elegance of players in blazers and caps, and the mutual respect that often characterises the relationship between fans and athletes. He contrasted this atmosphere with the more cut‑throat environment he has encountered in other parts of the country. "In Birmingham everyone wanted to see each other succeed," Bellingham explained.
"It wasn’t ruthless; people looked out for one another. That sense of community is something I carry with me wherever I play, whether in Germany, Spain, or elsewhere." The investment arrives at a time of significant change for The Hundred. Since last year, more than £520 million of private capital has been pumped into the tournament, prompting a series of re‑brandings. Three of the eight franchises have adopted new names to align with their Indian Premier League‑style owners: Manchester Super Giants (formerly the Originals), Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers) and MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles).
All matches – men’s and women’s – will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in 2026, with a packed schedule that runs from late July into mid‑August. Bellingham was asked why he chose to join the Phoenix specifically. "When the opportunity came I didn’t think twice," he replied.
"I love Birmingham and I’m grateful for everything the city has given me. It’s the place where I learned both football and cricket, and the club I played for – Birmingham City – shaped who I am." He also spoke about the values he believes cricket instills in young players. According to Bellingham, the sport carries a certain class and elegance that is less apparent in football. The ceremonial aspects – the toss, the captain’s attire, the courteous interaction between supporters and cricketers – teach respect and poise.
He suggested that football could benefit from adopting some of cricket’s lighter‑heartedness and humor, noting that cricketers often appear more approachable and are celebrated for their personalities as well as their skills. Staying true to his roots is a core principle for Bellingham. He emphasised that it isn’t merely about accent or dialect, but about the underlying values of community support, humility and perseverance that Birmingham instilled in him. "I want to show the world that where I come from is an amazing place with amazing values," he said.
He admitted that he sometimes makes mistakes, a nod to the self‑deprecating humor common among Brummies, but reaffirmed his commitment to representing Birmingham on the global stage with dignity. The Phoenix’s 2026 fixtures have already been announced.
The team will play both men’s and women’s games at iconic venues such as Edgbaston, Lord’s and Trent Bridge, with match‑day double‑headers designed to showcase the sport to a broader audience. The schedule includes a July 24 clash against the Trent Rockets, a July 30 encounter with Southern Brave, and a August 12 showdown with MI London, among others. All of these contests will be streamed live on Sky Sports, ensuring that fans across the UK and Ireland can follow the action.
In summary, Jude Bellingham’s modest equity stake in the Birmingham Phoenix represents more than a financial transaction; it is a symbolic gesture of gratitude and a strategic effort to promote sport‑driven community development. By leveraging his high‑profile status, Bellingham hopes to raise the profile of cricket in the West Midlands, inspire young athletes, and reinforce the collaborative spirit that defined his upbringing. The partnership underscores a growing trend of elite footballers diversifying into other sports and using their platforms to foster positive social impact, while also providing The Hundred with a fresh narrative that blends football fame with cricket tradition.