Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder and England international, has announced a new partnership that goes beyond the football pitch. He will become a shareholder in The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix ahead of the 2026 season, a move he describes as a way of giving back to the city that helped shape his early life. Bellingham grew up in Stourbridge, a suburb of Birmingham, and has often spoken about the supportive community that nurtured his talent. By taking a 1.2 per cent equity stake in the Phoenix, he hopes to use his profile to promote community engagement, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and greater participation in cricket across the West Midlands.
The ownership structure of the Phoenix now looks as follows: Warwickshire County Cricket Club retains a controlling 50.4 per cent share, Knighthead Capital Management – the firm that also owns Birmingham City Football Club and counts former NFL star Tom Brady among its minority investors – holds 48.4 per cent, and Bellingham’s modest slice brings the total to 100 per cent. In a press release, the young star said, "I feel like I owe the city something, and this feels like a good way to do it." His words echo a deep sense of gratitude toward the people of Birmingham, a sentiment he reinforced during an interview with Warwickshire CCC.
During that conversation, Bellingham reminisced about playing cricket with his older brother Jobe as children. He recalled how the two would often end up in friendly scraps over a ball, a memory that still brings a smile to his face. "Cricket is now my favourite thing to watch outside football," he admitted, adding that the sport’s slower tempo and strategic nuance provide a perfect counterbalance to the intensity of the beautiful game. He also noted that Birmingham was a unique environment where everyone seemed to want each other to succeed, a community spirit that contrasted sharply with the cut‑throat atmosphere he observed in other cities during his career abroad.
The investment arrives at a time of significant change for The Hundred. Since last year, more than £520 million of private capital has been poured into the competition, prompting a wave of rebranding across several franchises. Three of the eight teams have adopted new names that reflect their ties to Indian Premier League 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 packs a women’s game before each men’s fixture at the same venue.
Bellingham’s enthusiasm for cricket goes beyond mere fandom. He believes the sport teaches young players valuable life lessons, such as respect, elegance, and a sense of class that he feels is sometimes missing in football. "There’s a certain dignity in the way captains walk out in their blazers, the ritual of the toss, and the mutual respect between fans and players," he explained. He also highlighted the sport’s humor and light‑heartedness, noting that cricket personalities often appear more approachable and less scrutinised than their football counterparts.
This, he argues, allows fans to connect with players on a more personal level. When asked whether football could learn from cricket, Bellingham was candid: "Probably.
Cricket has a lot more humour and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easier for people to relate to the players." He cited the popularity of stump‑mic interviews and documentary series that showcase cricket’s colourful characters as evidence of the sport’s broader cultural appeal. Staying true to his roots is a core principle for Bellingham. He stressed that his Birmingham upbringing has instilled a set of values that he carries with him wherever he plays – whether in Germany, Spain, or elsewhere.
"It’s not just the accent or the way you talk; it’s the underlying belief that everyone should help each other succeed," he said. He described Birmingham as a place where competition is balanced with camaraderie, a balance he hopes to replicate in his new role with the Phoenix. The upcoming 2026 Hundred schedule features several high‑profile fixtures involving Birmingham Phoenix. The campaign kicks off on July 24 with a women’s and men’s double‑header against Trent Rockets at Edgbaston, followed by matches against Manchester Super Giants at Emirates Old Trafford, Southern Brave at Utilita Bowl, Welsh Fire at Edgbaston, and a series of games at iconic venues such as Lord’s and Trent Bridge.
All games will be streamed live on Sky Sports, ensuring fans across the UK and Ireland can follow the action. Beyond the on‑field excitement, Bellingham sees his investment as an opportunity to champion CSR projects that benefit local schools, youth clubs, and grassroots cricket programmes. He hopes to leverage his global platform to attract additional sponsorship and media attention to the sport in the Midlands, thereby creating a virtuous cycle of participation and investment.
By aligning his personal brand with the Phoenix, Bellingham aims to demonstrate that elite athletes can play a meaningful role in community development, using sport as a conduit for social change. In summary, Jude Bellingham’s decision to become a minority shareholder in Birmingham Phoenix reflects a heartfelt desire to give back to the city that shaped him. It also underscores the growing commercial appeal of The Hundred and the increasing crossover between football and cricket. As the 2026 season approaches, fans can look forward to a compelling blend of high‑level cricket, community‑focused initiatives, and the continued rise of a young star who never forgets where he came from.