Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder and England international, has announced a new partnership with The Hundred’s Birmingham Phoenix ahead of the 2026 season, saying he feels a deep sense of obligation to the city that nurtured his early career. The former Birmingham City academy product will hold a 1.2% equity stake in the franchise, while Warwickshire County Cricket Club retains a controlling 50.4% share and Knighthead Capital Management – the investment firm behind Birmingham City and backed by NFL great Tom Brady as a minority partner – holds 48.4%.
Bellingham explained his motivation during a press conference, stating, “I feel like I owe the city something, and this feels like a good way to give back.” He added that his involvement will focus heavily on community outreach and corporate social responsibility initiatives, aiming to broaden cricket’s appeal and bring together people from diverse backgrounds through sport. In an interview with Warwickshire CCC, Bellingham spoke fondly about his childhood love of cricket. He recalled how he and his brother Jobe would often turn a friendly game into a playful scrap, and how the sport has become his favorite pastime to watch when he isn’t on the football pitch.
“Cricket is probably my favourite thing to watch outside football,” he said, noting that he now enjoys following Test matches and long‑form formats whenever his training schedule permits. Bellingham’s investment arrives amid a major reshuffle of The Hundred’s financial landscape. Since last year, more than £520 million of private capital has been poured into the eight‑team competition, prompting several clubs to rebrand under the ownership of Indian Premier League franchises. Manchester Super Giants (formerly the Originals), Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers) and MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles) are three examples of teams that have adopted new identities to align with their IPL partners.
The 2026 schedule promises a packed calendar for Birmingham Phoenix, with both men’s and women’s fixtures broadcast live on Sky Sports. The tournament will culminate with eliminators on Friday, 14 August, and the final on Sunday, 16 August. Each match day will feature a women’s game followed by a men’s contest at the same venue, underscoring the competition’s commitment to gender parity.
When asked why he chose to become part of Birmingham Phoenix, Bellingham responded without hesitation: “When the opportunity came, I didn’t think twice. I love Birmingham and I’m incredibly grateful for everything the city has given me.” He highlighted the West Midlands as the region where he honed both his football and cricket skills, and praised Birmingham City as the best club he could ever have represented. “I feel like I owe the city something, and this is a different but still sporting way to give back,” he reiterated.
Discussing his relationship with cricket, Bellingham described the sport as a lesson in class and elegance, qualities he believes are sometimes lacking in football. He pointed to the ceremonial aspects of the game – the toss, the captain’s attire, the respectful interaction between fans and players – as evidence of cricket’s refined culture. “There’s a certain class to it, a line of respect even in heated rivalries,” he said. “The way the players move, the grace of a well‑timed delivery or a crisp bat swing, it’s all very classy.” He also suggested that football could learn from cricket’s lighter‑hearted atmosphere.
“Cricket has a lot more humour,” Bellingham noted, referencing the popular stump‑mic interviews and documentaries that showcase the personalities behind the sport. “The players are often less scrutinised and more appreciated for who they are as people, not just for their on‑field performance.” Staying true to his roots, Bellingham emphasized how important his Birmingham upbringing remains to him.
“It’s massively important. It’s not just the accent or the way I talk; it’s the values I took from Birmingham – a community that wants everyone to succeed, a place that pushes you to be your best.” He contrasted this supportive environment with the more cut‑throat attitudes he has encountered elsewhere, saying that the camaraderie of his hometown continues to shape his outlook wherever he plays, be it Germany, Spain or elsewhere.
Bellingham concluded by expressing pride in representing his city on a global stage. “It’s a huge honour to carry Birmingham’s name around the world. I don’t take it lightly, and I want to keep doing it in a way that makes my people back home proud.” The upcoming fixtures for Birmingham Phoenix in the 2026 Hundred include: - Friday 24 July: vs Trent Rockets at Edgbaston (women 3 pm, men 6:30 pm) - Sunday 26 July: vs Manchester Super Giants at Emirates Old Trafford (women 11 am, men 2:30 pm) - Thursday 30 July: vs Southern Brave at Utilita Bowl (women 3 pm, men 6:30 pm) - Saturday 1 August: vs Welsh Fire at Edgbaston (women 11 am, men 2:30 pm) - Wednesday 5 August: vs Trent Rockets at Trent Bridge (women 3 pm, men 6:30 pm) - Friday 7 August: vs Sunrisers Leeds at Edgbaston (women 3 pm, men 6:30 pm) - Sunday 9 August: vs London Spirit at Lord’s (women 2:30 pm, men 6 pm) - Wednesday 12 August: vs MI London at Edgbaston (women 3 pm, men 6:30 pm) All matches will be streamed live on Sky Sports, with the tournament running from 21 July to 16 August.
Bellingham’s involvement adds a high‑profile football perspective to the cricketing arena, reinforcing his belief that sport can bridge communities and celebrate the values of his beloved Birmingham.