Real Madrid star and England midfielder Jude Bellingham has announced a new partnership with The Hundred’s Birmingham Phoenix, saying he feels a debt to the city that helped shape his early career. The former Birmingham City academy product will hold a 1.2 percent stake in the cricket franchise, while Warwickshire County Cricket Club retains a controlling 50.4 percent share and Knighthead Capital Management – whose backers include NFL great Tom Brady – holds 48.4 percent. Bellingham explained his motivation during the unveiling, stating, “I feel like I owe the city something, and this seems like a fitting way to give back.” The 23‑year‑old, who grew up in the Stourbridge suburb of Birmingham, said his involvement will focus on community outreach and corporate social responsibility initiatives that use sport to bring together people from diverse backgrounds. In a conversation with Warwickshire CCC, Bellingham revealed his lifelong affection for cricket.
He and his older brother Jobe used to turn backyard games into friendly scrapes, and he now describes cricket as his favorite pastime when he isn’t on the football pitch. “It’s the sport I love watching the most outside of football,” he said, adding that he especially enjoys the longer format of Test matches, where he can settle in for an entire day of play.
He reflected on the culture of his hometown, noting that Birmingham fostered an environment where residents encouraged each other to succeed. “It wasn’t the cut‑throat atmosphere you find in some other places. Everyone looked out for one another, and that sense of community is something I carry with me wherever I go – whether in Germany, Spain, or elsewhere.” Bellingham believes these values are reflected in cricket’s etiquette, from the formal toss to the respectful interaction between players and fans, and he hopes to showcase Birmingham’s spirit on a global stage. The investment arrives amid a broader reshuffle of The Hundred ahead of its 2026 season.
Since last year, more than £520 million of private capital has been pumped into the eight‑team, 100‑ball‑a‑side competition. Three franchises have rebranded to align with their new Indian Premier League‑linked 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, with the knockout phase slated for August 14‑16, 2026. When asked why he chose to back Birmingham Phoenix, Bellingham answered without hesitation: “I love Birmingham.
I’m incredibly grateful for everything the city has done for me. It’s where I grew up, played both football and cricket, and where Birmingham City gave me the best foundation I could have asked for.” He reiterated his sense of obligation, describing the investment as a “different but still sporting avenue” to give back.
Bellingham also spoke candidly about his childhood rivalry with his brother. “We were a competitive pair – everything we did ended in a bit of a scrap, 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 on the pitch.” On the virtues cricket imparts to young athletes, he highlighted the sport’s inherent class and elegance.
“There’s a certain dignity to the toss, the way captains appear in their blazers and caps, and the mutual respect between fans and players. Even in heated rivalries, there’s a line of respect that’s usually maintained.” He suggested that football could learn from cricket’s lighter‑hearted atmosphere, noting the sport’s humor, the popularity of stump‑mic interviews, and the way players are often celebrated for both their skill and personality.
Staying true to his roots remains paramount for Bellingham. “It’s massively important. It’s not just the accent or the way I talk; it’s the values I absorbed in Birmingham – a place where everyone wants each other to thrive.” He emphasized that this supportive mindset has guided him throughout his career, from local pitches to the world’s biggest stadiums.
“I want to show the world that where I come from is an amazing place with amazing values. Sometimes I get it wrong, and that’s part of being a Brummie, but I never take things too seriously.” Bellingham concluded by affirming his pride in representing Birmingham on the international stage, promising to continue honoring his hometown in a manner that makes his community proud.
The 2026 Hundred schedule features Birmingham Phoenix in several high‑profile fixtures: a July 24 double‑header against Trent Rockets at Edgbaston, a July 26 clash with Manchester Super Giants at Old Trafford, and subsequent matches against Southern Brave, Welsh Fire, Sunrisers Leeds, London Spirit and MI London across iconic venues such as Edgbaston, Lord’s and Trent Bridge. All games will be streamed live on Sky Sports, with both the women's and men's contests scheduled back‑to‑back each day, ensuring fans can enjoy a full day of cricket action throughout the tournament’s July‑August run.