Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid and England midfield star, has announced a new partnership with The Hundred’s Birmingham Phoenix, stating that he feels a personal debt to the city that nurtured his early career. The former Birmingham City academy graduate will become a shareholder in the cricket franchise ahead of the 2026 season, taking a 1.2 percent stake in the club. Warwickshire County Cricket Club will retain majority ownership with 50.4 percent, while Knighthead Capital Management – whose backers include NFL icon Tom Brady as a minority investor – will hold the remaining 48.4 percent. Bellingham explained his motivation during the launch, saying, “I feel like I owe the city something, and this seems like a great way to give back.” His involvement goes beyond a financial commitment; he plans to champion community outreach and corporate‑social‑responsibility initiatives that use cricket as a bridge between people of different backgrounds.
The young star hopes his high profile will draw more attention to the sport in the Midlands and inspire local youngsters to pick up a bat and ball. In a candid interview with Warwickshire CCC, Bellingham recalled how he and his brother Jobe used to “scrap” over cricket when they were growing up in Stourbridge. He described the game as his favourite pastime outside football, adding that watching Test matches has become a cherished ritual whenever his training schedule allows.
“Cricket is probably my favourite thing to watch when I’m not on the pitch,” he said. “I love the elegance of a well‑timed delivery, the strategic toss, and the way captains stride out in their blazers and caps.” The midfielder also reflected on the values he associates with Birmingham. He painted a picture of a city where “everyone wants to see everyone else succeed,” contrasting it with the cut‑throat environments he has encountered in other footballing hotspots.
“It wasn’t like other areas I’ve been to where it’s very ruthless,” Bellingham noted. “People here really care for one another, and that sense of community is something I carry with me wherever I play – whether in Germany, Spain, or elsewhere.” Bellingham’s investment arrives at a time of significant change for The Hundred. Since last year, the 100‑ball tournament has attracted more than £520 million of private capital, prompting a rebrand of three of its eight franchises to align with new Indian Premier League‑linked owners. Manchester Super Giants (formerly the Originals), Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers) and MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles) have all adopted fresh identities.
The 2026 schedule promises a packed calendar, with every men’s and women’s match broadcast live on Sky Sports, culminating in the eliminators on 14 August and the final on 16 August. When asked why he chose Birmingham Phoenix, Bellingham answered without hesitation: “I love Birmingham. I’m incredibly grateful for everything the city has given me. It’s where I grew up, played both football and cricket, and where I felt the strongest sense of belonging.” He praised Birmingham City as “the best team I could have ever come through at and the best team I could have supported,” emphasizing that his upbringing in the West Midlands shaped his character both on and off the field.
The footballer also spoke about the competitive nature of his relationship with his brother. “We’re a very competitive pair,” he laughed. “Everything we did ended in scraps – whether it was Monopoly, football or cricket. Even though Jobe didn’t love cricket as much as I did, we still had a great time together.” Regarding the lessons cricket can teach young athletes, Bellingham highlighted the sport’s inherent class and elegance.
He pointed to the ceremonial aspects – the toss, the captain’s attire, the respectful interaction between fans and players – as examples of a “classy” atmosphere that is sometimes missing in other sports. “There’s a line of respect even in big rivalries,” he observed, noting that while tempers can flare, the overall tone remains courteous. He even suggested that football could learn a thing or two from cricket’s lighter side.
“Cricket feels a bit more humorous,” he said. “There’s a lot of personality in the stump‑mic interviews and documentaries, and the players seem less scrutinised, allowing fans to appreciate them both for their skill and their character.” Staying true to his roots, Bellingham stressed that his Birmingham upbringing is a core part of his identity. “It’s not just the accent or the way I talk,” he explained. “It’s the values – the community spirit, the encouragement to be better, the lack of cut‑throat competition – that I take with me wherever I go.” He admitted that being a ‘Brummie’ sometimes means not taking things too seriously, but he also affirmed that representing Birmingham on a global stage is a profound honour he does not take lightly.
The upcoming season’s fixtures showcase the Phoenix’s busy itinerary. The team will open the campaign on 24 July at Edgbaston against the Trent Rockets, with a women’s match at 3 p.m. followed by the men’s game at 6:30 p.m.
Subsequent clashes include a showdown with Manchester Super Giants at Old Trafford on 26 July, a home tie against Southern Brave on 30 July, and a series of away fixtures at venues such as Trent Bridge, Lord’s and the Utilita Bowl. All matches will be streamed live on Sky Sports, ensuring fans across the UK and Ireland can follow every ball. In summary, Jude Bellingham’s foray into cricket ownership reflects a deep‑seated gratitude toward Birmingham and a desire to use sport as a vehicle for social good.
By investing in the Phoenix, he hopes to amplify the city’s values, promote cricket participation, and demonstrate that the spirit of community that shaped his early years can thrive on an international stage.