Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid star and England midfielder, has publicly stated that he feels a deep sense of gratitude toward Birmingham, describing his new role as an investor in the Birmingham Phoenix of The Hundred as a way of giving back to the community that shaped him. The announcement, made ahead of the 2026 season, positions Bellingham as a 1.2 percent equity holder in the franchise. The majority stake, 50.4 percent, remains with Warwickshire County Cricket Club, while Knighthead Capital Management—backed in part by NFL icon Tom Brady as a minority shareholder—holds 48.4 percent. Bellingham, who was raised in Stourbridge on the outskirts of Birmingham, emphasized his commitment to community outreach and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
He said that his involvement will focus on expanding cricket participation among youth, fostering inclusion across diverse backgrounds, and leveraging sport as a bridge between different sections of society. "I feel like I owe the city something, and this feels like a good way," he told reporters when confirming his investment. In an interview with Warwickshire CCC, Bellingham reminisced about his childhood love for cricket.
He and his brother Jobe would often turn a friendly game into a heated "scrap," a testament to their competitive nature. Today, he describes cricket as his favorite pastime outside of football, noting that he enjoys watching test matches the most, especially when they stretch across an entire day. "Cricket is probably my favourite thing to watch outside football," he said, adding that the sport's elegance and class have always appealed to him.
He reflected on Birmingham's unique culture, contrasting it with other places he has lived and played. "In my case, I always felt like Birmingham was a place where everyone wanted to see everyone do well. It was a place where I was lucky enough to grow up and people would push you to be better," Bellingum explained. He highlighted the city's supportive atmosphere, saying it lacked the cut‑throat competitiveness he observed elsewhere.
This sense of community, he believes, is a core value he carries with him to Germany, Spain, and any other country where he competes. The investment comes amid a broader overhaul of The Hundred, the 100‑ball cricket competition that has been injecting significant private capital into its structure.
Since last year, more than £520 million in private investment has been poured into the tournament, prompting a series of re‑brandings. Three of the eight teams have adopted new identities aligned with 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 throughout the 2026 season, 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 I got the opportunity to get involved, I didn't really think twice about it and I'm so happy to be on board.
I love Birmingham. I'm very grateful for what they've done for me.
The whole city of Birmingham really, well at least one half!" He went on to praise Birmingham City Football Club as the best team he could have emerged from, crediting the club and the city for providing him with an ideal upbringing both on and off the pitch. Bellingham also discussed the personal values he believes cricket imparts to young players. He described the sport as inherently classy and elegant, citing the ceremonial aspects such as the toss, the captains' traditional blazers, and the mutual respect that often exists between fans and players.
"There's a certain class and elegance to so many of the things: the toss, the captains coming out in their blazers and caps," he noted. He believes this sense of decorum and respect can serve as a model for other sports, including football, which he feels could benefit from cricket’s lighter‑hearted approach and greater emphasis on personality. He admitted that cricket’s culture tends to be more humorous and less scrutinizing than football, allowing players to be appreciated for both their athletic prowess and their character.
"I think there's probably a little bit more light‑heartedness to the game, which means that people can relate to the players a little bit more," Bellingham said, adding that the sport’s media coverage often showcases quirky moments and personalities that endear players to the public. Staying true to his roots remains a central theme for Bellingham. He stresses that his Birmingham upbringing influences not only his accent but also his core values.
"Massively important. I carry it with me in everything I do," he affirmed.
He reiterated that Birmingham taught him that community support and collective success are more rewarding than cut‑throat competition. This philosophy guides his conduct on international stages, whether in Germany, Spain, or elsewhere. Bellingham also hinted at future plans for the Phoenix, expressing a desire to use his platform to promote cricket among under‑represented groups in the West Midlands.
He hopes to launch youth clinics, scholarship programs, and partnerships with local schools to broaden access to the sport. By aligning the Phoenix’s brand with Birmingham’s reputation for resilience and camaraderie, he aims to create a lasting legacy that extends beyond the 2026 season. The schedule for The Hundred’s 2026 edition includes several high‑profile fixtures featuring Birmingham Phoenix: - Friday, July 24: Phoenix vs Trent Rockets at Edgbaston (women’s 3 pm, men’s 6:30 pm) - Sunday, July 26: Manchester Super Giants vs Phoenix at Emirates Old Trafford (women’s 11 am, men’s 2:30 pm) - Thursday, July 30: Southern Brave vs Phoenix at Utilita Bowl (women’s 3 pm, men’s 6:30 pm) - Saturday, August 1: Phoenix vs Welsh Fire at Edgbaston (women’s 11 am, men’s 2:30 pm) - Wednesday, August 5: Trent Rockets vs Phoenix at Trent Bridge (women’s 3 pm, men’s 6:30 pm) - Friday, August 7: Phoenix vs Sunrisers Leeds at Edgbaston (women’s 3 pm, men’s 6:30 pm) - Sunday, August 9: London Spirit vs Phoenix at Lord’s (women’s 2:30 pm, men’s 6 pm) - Wednesday, August 12: Phoenix vs MI London at Edgbaston (women’s 3 pm, men’s 6:30 pm) All matches will be streamed live on Sky Sports, with no contractual obligations required for viewers. Bellingham’s involvement underscores a growing trend of elite footballers diversifying into other sports enterprises, using their fame and resources to foster community development and broaden the appeal of games like cricket.
His heartfelt connection to Birmingham, combined with a strategic vision for the Phoenix, promises to enrich both the franchise and the wider sporting landscape of the West Midlands.