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, who once wore the badge of Birmingham City, will become a shareholder in the Birmingham Phoenix, one of the eight franchises that compete in The Hundred cricket competition, ahead of the 2026 season. Bellingham says he feels a debt of gratitude to the city that helped shape his career, and he sees this investment as a way to give back.
The former Birmingham City academy product will acquire a 1.2% stake in the Phoenix, while Warwickshire County Cricket Club retains majority ownership with 50.4% and Knighthead Capital Management – the investment firm that owns Birmingham City and counts NFL legend Tom Brady among its minority investors – holds 48.4%. Bellingham’s involvement goes beyond a simple financial contribution; he has pledged to focus on community outreach and corporate social responsibility initiatives, aiming to grow cricket participation and use sport as a bridge between people from diverse backgrounds. When asked about his motivation, Bellingham told Warwickshire CCC, "I feel like I owe the city something, and this feels like a good way to do it." He recalled growing up in Stourbridge, where cricket was a staple of his childhood. He and his brother Jobe would often turn a friendly game into a full‑blown scrap, a memory he now cherishes.
"Cricket is probably my favourite thing to watch outside football," he added, noting that the sport has become his go‑to pastime when he’s not on the pitch. Bellingham described Birmingham as a place where people genuinely want each other to succeed.
"It wasn’t like other areas I’ve visited that are cut‑throat and ruthless. In Birmingham, everyone cares for one another," he explained.
Those values, he says, travel with him wherever his football career takes him – whether in Germany, Spain or elsewhere – and he hopes to showcase the city’s positive spirit on a global stage. The investment comes at a time of significant change for The Hundred. Since last year, the tournament has attracted more than £520 million in private capital, prompting a rebranding of three clubs to align with Indian Premier League 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 schedule that includes double‑headers where a women’s game precedes the men’s fixture at the same venue.
Bellingham’s enthusiasm for cricket is evident in his interview. He spoke about the elegance of the game, from the ceremonial toss to captains stepping onto the field in blazers and caps. He praised the sport’s class and the respect that often exists between players and fans, even in heated rivalries. "There’s a certain class and elegance to so many of the things – the toss, the way captains come out – that you don’t always see in football," he said.
He also reflected on the lessons cricket can teach young athletes. According to Bellingbham, the sport instils discipline, patience and a sense of decorum. "The way the players move, the way they bowl and bat, it’s very elegant," he noted, adding that the atmosphere around cricket often feels lighter and more humorous than the intense scrutiny that footballers endure.
He believes this lighter tone allows fans to relate more easily to the players as individuals, not just as athletes. When asked whether football could learn from cricket, Bellingham was candid: "Probably. Cricket has a lot more humour and light‑heartedness. It’s less brutal in the media, and you get to appreciate the players for both their skill and their personalities." He highlighted the popularity of stump‑mic segments and documentaries that reveal the quirky side of cricket personalities, which help humanise the sport.
Staying true to his roots remains a central theme for Bellingham. He emphasised that his Birmingham upbringing shaped his character, work ethic and outlook on life. "It’s not just the accent or the way you talk; it’s the values you carry from Birmingham," he said. He believes the city’s supportive environment fostered his ambition and desire to be the best, a mindset he now carries to the international football stage.
Bellingham also addressed the practical side of his investment. By owning a minority share, he hopes to influence the Phoenix’s outreach programs, encouraging more young people in the West Midlands to take up cricket. He envisions school partnerships, free coaching clinics and community events that celebrate both sports, creating pathways for talent to flow between football and cricket.
The schedule for The Hundred’s 2026 season features several Phoenix home games at Edgbaston, as well as fixtures at other iconic venues such as Lord’s and Trent Bridge. Highlights include a clash with the Trent Rockets on July 24, a showdown with the Manchester Super Giants on July 26 at the Emirates Old Trafford, and a final‑stage match against MI London on August 12. All matches will be streamed without a contract requirement via the Sky Sports app, ensuring fans can follow the action live. In summary, Jude Bellingham’s entry into the world of cricket represents more than a financial stake; it is a heartfelt tribute to the city that nurtured his talent.
By aligning his personal brand with Birmingham Phoenix, he aims to promote community cohesion, inspire the next generation of cricketers, and demonstrate that the values of respect, humility and collective success that define Birmingham can thrive across sporting boundaries. His commitment underscores a broader trend of athletes leveraging their platforms to invest in grassroots initiatives, proving that the love for sport can translate into lasting, positive change for the places they call home.