England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has become a new investor in the Birmingham Phoenix, a team in The Hundred cricket tournament, ahead of the 2026 season. Bellingham, who grew up in Stourbridge, expressed his gratitude to the city of Birmingham, stating that he feels a sense of obligation to give back. He will hold a 1.2 percent stake in the team, with Warwickshire County Cricket Club maintaining majority control at 50.4 percent and Birmingham City owners Knighthead Capital Management holding 48.4 percent.
Bellingham emphasized his passion for cricket, which he developed during his childhood, and his desire to promote community engagement and social responsibility projects through the team. His investment is part of a larger restructuring effort in The Hundred, with over £520 million in private investment being injected into the tournament. Bellingham's involvement with the Phoenix reflects his commitment to his roots and his determination to showcase the values of his hometown on the global stage.