Real Madrid star and England midfielder Jude Bellingham has announced that he is stepping into the world of cricket by becoming a shareholder in The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix ahead of the 2026 campaign. The 23‑year‑old, who grew up in the West Midlands town of Stourbridge, said he feels a deep sense of gratitude toward his hometown and wants to give back in a way that celebrates sport and community. Bellingham will acquire a 1.2 percent stake in the Phoenix, while Warwickshire County Cricket Club retains majority ownership with 50.4 percent and Knighthead Capital Management – the investment vehicle that also backs Birmingham City and counts NFL great Tom Brady as a minority investor – holds 48.4 percent.
The deal gives the young footballer a foothold in a sport he has loved since childhood and a platform to champion community engagement and corporate social responsibility projects through cricket. In a press release Bellingham explained, “I feel like I owe the city something. This feels like a good way to give back.” He went on to describe how cricket was a constant in his youth, recalling that he and his brother Jobe would often turn a friendly game into a playful scrap.
“It’s my favourite thing to watch outside football now,” he told Warwickshire CCC, adding that the game’s slower tempo and strategic nuance appeal to him after a career spent in the fast‑paced world of elite football. The midfielder also reflected on the values he associates with Birmingham. He said the city taught him that “everyone wanted to see everyone do well,” a supportive atmosphere that contrasts with the cut‑throat environments he has encountered elsewhere. "People push you to be better, to be the best, but they also look out for each other," he said.
Those principles, he explained, are what he hopes to carry to his new role with the Phoenix, showcasing the city’s spirit on a global stage. Bellingham’s investment arrives at a time of significant transformation for The Hundred. Since 2022, the competition has attracted more than £520 million in private capital, and three of its eight franchises have rebranded to align with Indian Premier League owners: Manchester Super Giants (formerly The Originals), Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers) and MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles). The 2026 season will see every match – men’s and women’s – broadcast live on Sky Sports, with a packed schedule that includes eliminators on 14 August and the final on 16 August.
When asked why he chose Birmingham Phoenix, Bellingham answered without hesitation: “When the opportunity came, I didn’t think twice. I love Birmingham.
I’m grateful for everything the city has done for me – at least half of it, if not more! It’s where I grew up playing both football and cricket, and the club I played for, Birmingham City, gave me the best upbringing in sport and in life.” He emphasized that the Phoenix investment is “a different but still sporting avenue” for him to give back.
The midfielder also spoke about his personal connection to cricket. He said he enjoys watching Test matches the most, often tuning in after training sessions to follow a full day of play. “Cricket is probably my favourite thing to watch outside football.
My favourite sport to watch, for sure,” he declared. He recalled how, as children, he and Jobe turned every game into a competition, whether it was Monopoly, football or cricket, and how those early scrapes taught him resilience and sportsmanship. Bellingham believes cricket imparts a unique sense of class and elegance that he feels is sometimes missing from football.
He highlighted the ritual of the toss, the captains in their blazers and caps, and the respectful interaction between fans and players as hallmarks of the sport’s culture. "There’s a line of respect even in big rivalries," he said, "and while it can be crossed occasionally, the overall tone is very classy." He praised the graceful movements of bowlers and batsmen, noting that the game’s aesthetics can be “so elegant.” He also suggested that football could learn from cricket’s lighter‑hearted side. "There’s more humour in cricket, more light‑heartedness," he observed, referencing the popular stump‑mic interviews and documentaries that reveal the personalities behind the players. According to Bellingham, cricket’s relative lack of intense scrutiny allows fans to appreciate athletes both for their skill and their character.
Staying true to his roots is a central theme for Bellingham. He said, “It’s massively important.
I carry Birmingham with me in everything I do – not just the accent, but the values.” He reiterated that the city’s supportive environment shaped his ambition, and that he aims to represent Birmingham proudly wherever his career takes him – whether in Germany, Spain or elsewhere. He admitted that being a “Brummie” also means not taking things too seriously, a trait he embraces while striving to make his hometown proud. The 2026 Hundred schedule features several Phoenix home fixtures at Edgbaston and other venues. Highlights include a July 24 clash with Trent Rockets, a July 30 encounter with Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl, and a August 9 showdown against London Spirit at Lord’s.
Both the women’s and men’s games will be televised, with the women’s match preceding the men’s at each venue, underscoring the competition’s commitment to gender equality. In summary, Jude Bellingham’s entry into Birmingham Phoenix marks a meaningful convergence of football fame and cricket tradition. By investing a modest share, he hopes to amplify community projects, promote the inclusive values of his hometown, and inspire young athletes to appreciate the elegance and camaraderie that cricket offers. As the Hundred prepares for a high‑profile 2026 season, Bellingham’s involvement adds a fresh narrative that bridges two of the UK’s most beloved sports while spotlighting Birmingham’s enduring spirit.