Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder who also captains England, has announced a new venture that ties him back to his hometown of Birmingham. The young star will become a shareholder in the Birmingham Phoenix, one of the franchises competing in The Hundred cricket competition, ahead of the 2026 season. In his own words, Bellingham feels a deep sense of gratitude toward the city that nurtured his early sporting life, and he sees this investment as a way of giving back. The former Birmingham City academy product will acquire a modest 1.2 per cent stake in the Phoenix.
The majority of the club’s equity remains with Warwickshire County Cricket Club, which holds 50.4 per cent, while Knighthead Capital Management – the investment firm that owns Birmingham City and counts NFL icon Tom Brady as a minority investor – retains 48.4 per cent. Bellingham’s involvement is therefore part of a broader ownership structure that blends traditional cricket administration with modern private‑equity backing. When asked why he chose to partner with the Phoenix, Bellingham said, "I feel like I owe the city something, and this feels like a good way to do it." He went on to explain that his childhood in Stourbridge gave him a unique perspective on community spirit and mutual support, values he hopes to champion through cricket’s growing popularity in the region.
He emphasized that his role will go beyond mere financial input; he plans to be actively involved in community outreach programmes and corporate‑social‑responsibility initiatives that encourage youngsters from diverse backgrounds to take up the sport. Cricket has always been a part of Bellingham’s life. In an interview with Warwickshire CCC, he recalled how he and his brother Jobe would turn any spare moment into a makeshift cricket match, often ending in playful scuffles.
"We used to scrap a lot when we played," he laughed, adding that cricket has become his favourite pastime to watch when he’s not on the football pitch. He described the game as "the most elegant sport" and praised the ritual of the toss, the formal attire of captains, and the mutual respect that often exists between fans and players. Bellingham also highlighted the cultural differences he has observed between Birmingham and other places he has lived or visited.
"In Birmingham everyone wants to see each other succeed," he said. "It’s not the cut‑throat atmosphere you sometimes find elsewhere. People look out for one another, and that community ethos is something I want to carry with me wherever I play, whether in Germany, Spain, or back home." He believes that showcasing Birmingham’s supportive spirit on the global stage can help reshape perceptions of the city and inspire the next generation of athletes.
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 tournament, prompting a series of re‑brandings to align several teams with Indian Premier League owners.
Manchester Super Giants, Sunrisers Leeds and MI London have all adopted new identities, reflecting a push toward a more commercial, globally‑recognised product. The Phoenix’s partnership with a high‑profile footballer like Bellingham underscores the competition’s ambition to attract cross‑sport interest and broaden its fan base. All matches – both men’s and women’s – will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in 2026, with a packed schedule that runs from late July through mid‑August. The fixtures list includes head‑to‑head clashes against the Trent Rockets, Manchester Super Giants, Southern Brave, Welsh Fire, Sunrisers Leeds, London Spirit and MI London, each featuring a women’s game followed by a men’s contest at the same venue.
This dual‑gender format is designed to give equal exposure to both competitions and encourage families to attend together. When pressed about his personal connection to Birmingham, Bellingham was effusive. "I love Birmingham.
I’m very grateful for what the city has done for me," he said. "Birmingham City was the best club I could have come through, and the best club I could ever support. The upbringing I received there shaped not only my football career but also my outlook on life." He reiterated that his investment is a different but equally sporting avenue for repaying that debt. Beyond the financial stake, Bellingham hopes his involvement will spark increased participation in cricket across the West Midlands.
He envisions school programmes, youth academies and community events that use the sport as a vehicle for teaching teamwork, discipline and respect. By leveraging his global profile, he aims to attract sponsors and media attention that can fund grassroots projects and improve facilities. The young star also reflected on the competitive nature of his relationship with his brother.
"We were a very competitive pair of lads," he admitted. "Everything we did ended in scraps and tears – 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." This anecdote reinforces his belief that sport can be a bonding experience, teaching valuable life lessons while fostering family ties.
In discussing the broader impact of cricket, Bellingham highlighted the sport’s inherent class and elegance, qualities he feels are sometimes missing from modern football. "There’s a certain class to the toss, the way captains come out in their blazers and caps, the respect between fans and players," he observed.
He suggested that football could learn from cricket’s more light‑hearted atmosphere and its capacity to showcase personalities beyond pure performance. Finally, Bellingham stressed how vital it is for him to stay grounded in his roots. "It’s massively important to remember where you come from," he said. "It’s not just the accent or the way you speak; it’s the values you carry with you.
Birmingham taught me that everyone wants each other to do well, and that’s a principle I take with me wherever I travel." He concluded by affirming his pride in representing Birmingham on the world stage and his commitment to ensuring that his hometown remains proud of his achievements. Fans can catch the Phoenix’s 2026 campaign live on Sky Sports, with matches scheduled from July 21 to August 16. The season promises thrilling cricket, community engagement and a chance to see a football superstar help nurture the next generation of cricketers in the city that shaped him.