Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder who also stars for England, has announced that he will become an investor in the Birmingham Phoenix franchise ahead of The Hundred’s 2026 season. The young star, who grew up in Stourbridge in the West Midlands, said he feels a deep sense of gratitude toward the city that nurtured his talent, and that becoming a part‑owner of the cricket team is his way of giving back.
In his own words, "I feel like I owe the city something, and this feels like a good way to do it." The investment arrangement gives Bellingham a 1.2 percent equity stake in the Phoenix. Warwickshire County Cricket Club remains the majority shareholder with 50.4 percent, while Knighthead Capital Management – the investment firm that owns Birmingham City Football Club and counts NFL great Tom Brady among its minority investors – holds 48.4 percent. Bellingham’s involvement is not simply financial; he has pledged to focus on community outreach and corporate social responsibility initiatives that will use cricket as a bridge between people of different backgrounds. During a sit‑down interview with Warwickshire CCC, Bellingham talked about his lifelong affection for cricket.
He recalled how he and his brother Jobe would turn every backyard game into a fierce contest, often ending in friendly scraps. "We used to scrap a lot when we played," he said, "and now cricket is probably my favourite thing to watch outside of football." He added that the sport’s blend of strategy, skill and etiquette appealed to him as a youngster and continues to hold his interest as a professional athlete. Bellingham also reflected on the culture of Birmingham that shaped his character.
He described the city as a place where residents genuinely wanted each other to succeed, a supportive environment that contrasted with the more cut‑throat attitudes he had encountered elsewhere. "It wasn’t like other areas I’ve been to where it’s very ruthless," he explained. "Everyone cares for one another really well, and that’s a value I carry with me wherever I go – whether in Germany, Spain or any other country where I play." The Hundred itself is undergoing a major transformation ahead of the 2026 campaign. More than £520 million of private capital has been poured into the competition since last year, and three of the eight franchises have been rebranded to align with their new owners from the Indian Premier League.
Manchester Super Giants (formerly the Originals), Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers) and MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles) are the latest examples of this cross‑continental partnership. All matches – men’s and women’s – will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with a schedule that pairs a women’s game before each men’s fixture at the same venue.
When asked why he chose to join Birmingham Phoenix, Bellingham answered without hesitation. "When the opportunity came, I didn’t think twice.
I love Birmingham and I’m incredibly grateful for everything the city has done for me," he said. "Birmingham City was the best club I could have come through, and the best team I could ever support.
The upbringing I had there shaped my football career and my life. Investing in the Phoenix is another way to give back, using a different sport but the same community spirit." He went on to describe his personal cricket preferences, noting that he enjoys watching Test matches the most because they allow him to follow the game over an entire day, often fitting a session in after training. "Cricket is probably my favourite thing to watch outside football," he reiterated, emphasizing how the sport’s elegance – from the ceremonial toss to the captain’s blazer and cap – resonates with him. He praised the class and respect that often characterize cricket culture, saying that even in heated rivalries there is usually a line of decorum that separates the competitors.
Bellingham also speculated on what football could learn from cricket. He suggested that cricket’s lighter‑hearted atmosphere and the way players are celebrated for both their skill and personality could offer a useful contrast to football’s sometimes relentless scrutiny. "There’s more humour in cricket, and people can relate to the players a bit more," he observed.
"It’s a sport that appreciates the elegance of a well‑timed delivery or a graceful stroke, and that’s something we could all benefit from." Staying true to his roots remains a central theme for the 22‑year‑old. He stressed that his identity as a Brummie is not just about a regional accent but about the values he absorbed growing up: mutual support, ambition, and a sense of community. "Massively important – I carry it with me in everything I do," he said.
"I want to show the world that where I come from is an amazing place with amazing values. Sometimes I get it wrong, but that’s part of being a Brummie – you never take things too seriously. It’s an honour to represent Birmingham on the world stage, and I don’t take that lightly." The 2026 Hundred schedule features a series of high‑profile fixtures for Birmingham Phoenix, beginning with a women’s and men’s double‑header against Trent Rockets at Edgbaston on July 24, and concluding with a showdown against MI London on August 12.
All games will be streamed live on Sky Sports, with the tournament running from July 21 to August 16. Bellingham’s involvement promises to bring additional visibility to the Phoenix and to reinforce the club’s commitment to using sport as a catalyst for social cohesion and community development. In summary, Jude Bellingham’s 1.2 percent stake in Birmingham Phoenix is more than a financial move; it is a heartfelt tribute to the city that raised him.
By championing cricket’s inclusive spirit and investing in community‑focused projects, he hopes to honour his hometown while helping the sport grow in the UK. As the Hundred enters a new era of investment and rebranding, Bellingham’s partnership with the Phoenix stands out as a genuine example of a modern athlete leveraging his platform to give back to the place that shaped his dreams.