Real Madrid star and England midfielder Jude Bellingham has announced that he is taking a small equity stake in the Birmingham Phoenix, the franchise that competes in The Hundred cricket competition, ahead of the 2026 season. The 23‑year‑old, who began his professional career in the West Midlands, said he feels a personal obligation to give back to the city that helped shape him, describing the investment as a way of repaying a debt he owes to Birmingham. Bellingham will acquire a 1.2 per cent share of the Phoenix, while Warwickshire County Cricket Club retains the majority holding of 50.4 per cent and Knighthead Capital Management – the ownership group of Birmingham City Football Club, which also counts NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority investor – holds the remaining 48.4 per cent.
In a press release, Bellingham explained, "I feel like I owe the city something. And this feels like a good way." He went on to say that his involvement will focus on community outreach and corporate‑social‑responsibility initiatives, using the popularity of cricket to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and encourage greater participation in the sport across the region. The midfielder grew up in Stourbridge, a suburb of Birmingham, and recalls spending countless afternoons playing cricket with his older brother Jobe. In an interview with Warwickshire CCC, he described those childhood games as friendly "scraps" that sparked a lifelong love for the game.
"Cricket is probably my favourite thing to watch outside football," Bellingham told the outlet, adding that he now enjoys following Test matches and domestic competitions when his training schedule permits. He praised Birmingham as a community where "everyone wanted to see everyone do well" and where the culture was supportive rather than cut‑throat. "It wasn't like other areas that I've been to where it's very ruthless. I find that everyone cares for one another really well," he said, noting that the values he learned in his hometown have stayed with him throughout his career in Spain, Germany and now on the world stage.
Bellingham believes that cricket embodies a certain elegance and class that he feels is sometimes missing from the modern football environment. He highlighted the ritual of the toss, the formal attire of captains in blazers and caps, and the respectful interaction between players and fans as hallmarks of the sport's genteel tradition. "There is a line of respect between the teams, even in big rivalries," he observed, "and while emotions can run high, the overall tone remains classy." When asked whether football could learn from cricket, Bellingham suggested that the sport’s lighter‑hearted atmosphere and humor might offer a useful contrast to the intense scrutiny footballers face.
He noted that cricket commentators often use "stump mics" and documentaries that showcase the personalities of players, creating a more relatable image for the audience. The investment comes at a time of significant change for The Hundred. Since last year, more than £520 million of private capital has been poured into the 100‑ball‑a‑side tournament, prompting a rebranding of three clubs 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 – both men’s and women’s – will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in 2026, with a schedule that pairs a women's game before each men’s fixture at the same venue. The Phoenix’s 2026 fixtures include clashes against the Trent Rockets, Manchester Super Giants, Southern Brave, Welsh Fire, Sunrisers Leeds, London Spirit and MI London, with games spread across iconic grounds such as Edgbaston, Lord's and the Emirates Old Trafford. Bellingham’s decision to invest was swift. "When I got the opportunity to get involved, I didn't really think twice about it and I'm so happy to be on board," he said.
He reiterated his affection for Birmingham, calling it the best club he could have come through and the best team he could ever support. "I love Birmingham. I'm very grateful for what they've done for me," he added, emphasizing that his roots remain a central part of his identity. The midfielder also reflected on the competitive nature of his upbringing with Jobe, recalling how even board games like Monopoly could end in friendly disputes.
"We're a competitive pair of lads. Pretty much everything we did ended in scraps and tears," he laughed, noting that cricket was no exception. Bellingham believes that the sport teaches young players valuable lessons about discipline, respect and elegance – qualities he hopes to pass on through his CSR work with the Phoenix. He concluded by stressing the importance of staying true to his Birmingham heritage, no matter where his career takes him.
"Massively important. I carry it with me in everything I do," he affirmed.
"I want to show the world that where I come from is an amazing place with amazing values."