Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder who also captains England, has announced a new partnership with The Hundred’s Birmingham Phoenix ahead of the 2026 campaign, stating that he feels a debt of gratitude to his hometown. The former Birmingham City academy product will hold a 1.2% equity stake in the franchise, while Warwickshire County Cricket Club retains a controlling 50.4% share and Knighthead Capital Management – which counts NFL icon Tom Brady as a minority investor – owns the remaining 48.4%. Bellingham said the investment is his way of giving back to the city that helped shape his career.
"I feel like I owe the city something, and this feels like a good way to do it," he told reporters during the unveiling. The young star explained that his involvement will go beyond financial input; he plans to champion community outreach and corporate‑social‑responsibility initiatives, hoping to broaden cricket’s appeal and use sport as a bridge between people from diverse backgrounds.
Cricket has long been a personal passion for Bellingham. In an interview with Warwickshire CCC he recalled how he and his brother Jobe would turn every backyard game into a fierce contest, often ending in good‑natured scraps. "We were a competitive pair of lads – whether it was Monopoly, football or cricket, everything ended in a little scuffle," he laughed. Today, he admits that cricket is his favourite pastime to watch when he isn’t on the football pitch, especially the longer Test format that allows him to settle in for a full day of play.
Bellingham’s connection to Birmingham runs deep. Growing up in Stourbridge, he spent his formative years in the West Midlands, playing both football and cricket on local pitches.
He described the city as a place where "everyone wanted to see everyone do well" and where the community encouraged ambition rather than cut‑throat rivalry. "It wasn’t like other areas I’ve visited where it can be ruthless – here people really care for each other," he said, highlighting a sense of solidarity that he hopes to showcase on the global stage. The investment comes at a time of significant change for The Hundred. Since last year, the competition has attracted more than £520 million in private capital, prompting a series of re‑brandings.
Three of the eight franchises have adopted new names aligned 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 running from July 21 to August 16, culminating in eliminators on August 14 and the final on August 16.
When asked why he chose to back Birmingham Phoenix, Bellingham was unequivocal: "When the opportunity came, I didn’t think twice. I love Birmingham and I’m incredibly grateful for everything the city has given me.
It feels right to support it in a different, yet still sporting, way." He praised Birmingham City as the best club he could have emerged from, noting that the values he learned there – hard work, humility and community spirit – continue to guide him wherever he plays, whether in Germany, Spain or elsewhere. Bellingham also reflected on the unique qualities of cricket that he believes set it apart from football.
He described the sport as possessing a certain class and elegance, from the ceremonial toss to captains in blazers and caps, and the respectful rapport between fans and players. "There’s a line of respect that often holds, even in fierce rivalries," he observed. He added that cricket’s lighter‑hearted atmosphere, amplified by quirky commentary and player personalities, makes it more relatable and less scrutinised than football, allowing fans to appreciate athletes both on and off the field. The midfielder’s commitment to his roots is evident in his repeated emphasis on staying true to Birmingham’s values.
"It’s massively important – I carry it with me in everything I do," he said. He believes the city’s culture of mutual support and encouragement has shaped his character, and he aims to broadcast those principles wherever his career takes him. "I want to show the world that where I come from is an amazing place with amazing values," he concluded, acknowledging that his Brummie upbringing sometimes leads him to take things with a sense of humor and not take himself too seriously.
Bellingham’s involvement is expected to boost the Phoenix’s profile and attract new fans to cricket, particularly among younger audiences who admire his football achievements. By leveraging his global platform, he hopes to highlight the sport’s inclusivity and encourage more participation at the grassroots level. The partnership also aligns with broader efforts to grow The Hundred’s footprint, with the league planning to stream matches without contracts and offering a dedicated Sky Sports app for easy access.
The 2026 schedule features a series of high‑profile fixtures for Birmingham Phoenix, including clashes against Trent Rockets, Manchester Super Giants, Southern Brave, Welsh Fire, Sunrisers Leeds, London Spirit and MI London. Each game will showcase a women's match followed by a men’s contest at the same venue, reinforcing the league’s commitment to gender parity. Fans can tune in via Sky Sports throughout the tournament, ensuring maximum exposure for the sport and for Bellingberg’s pioneering investment in his beloved hometown.