Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid and England midfielder, has announced that he will become a shareholder in the Birmingham Phoenix, one of the franchises competing in The Hundred cricket tournament, ahead of the 2026 season. The young star, who grew up in the West Midlands, said he feels a strong sense of duty to his hometown and sees this investment as a way to give back to the community that helped shape his career.
Bellingham will acquire a 1.2 percent stake in the Phoenix, while Warwickshire County Cricket Club retains a controlling 50.4 percent share and Knighthead Capital Management – the ownership group behind Birmingham City FC, which also counts former NFL great Tom Brady as a minority investor – holds 48.4 percent. The partnership is expected to focus on community outreach and corporate‑social‑responsibility initiatives, using cricket as a vehicle to bring together people from diverse backgrounds.
Speaking at the launch, Bellingham explained, "I feel like I owe the city something. And this feels like a good way." He went on to describe his lifelong affection for cricket, recalling how he and his brother Jobe used to play the game in their back garden, often turning friendly matches into spirited scrapes. "It’s my favourite thing to watch outside football now," he added, noting that the sport has become a relaxing escape after a demanding football schedule. The midfielder highlighted the unique culture of Birmingham, contrasting it with other places he has lived and worked.
"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 – to be the best," he said. He praised the city’s supportive atmosphere, describing it as less cut‑throat and more caring than the environments he has encountered elsewhere, whether in Germany, Spain, or other parts of the world.
Bellingham’s involvement 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 series of re‑branding moves. Three of the eight franchises have adopted new names that align with their Indian Premier League‑linked owners: Manchester Super Giants (formerly the Originals), Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers) and MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles).
The tournament’s schedule for 2026 will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with both men’s and women’s matches streamed from July 21 to August 16, culminating in the eliminators on August 14 and the finals on August 16. When asked why he chose to back Birmingham Phoenix, Bellingham responded without hesitation: "When the opportunity came, I didn’t think twice.
I love Birmingham. I’m very grateful for what the city has done for me. The whole city of Birmingham, well, at least half of it, has given me everything I needed to succeed." He emphasized that his connection to the West Midlands runs deep, recalling the countless hours spent playing football and cricket on local pitches. "Birmingham City are the best team I could have ever come through at and the best team I could have supported.
I got the best upbringing into football, into life there," he said. The player also shared his perspective on the values cricket imparts to young athletes. He described the sport as possessing a certain class and elegance that is sometimes missing from football.
"There’s a class to it – the toss, the captains in their blazers and caps, the respect between fans and players. Even in big rivalries there’s a line of respect," he noted.
Bellingham praised the graceful movements of bowlers and batsmen, calling the game “very classy.” He believes that cricket’s lighter‑hearted atmosphere allows fans to relate more easily to players, who are often appreciated for both their skill and personality. Regarding whether football could learn from cricket, Bellingham suggested that the sport might benefit from cricket’s humor and relaxed vibe.
He mentioned enjoying the “stump mic” moments and documentaries that showcase cricket’s colourful characters, arguing that a greater sense of levity could make football more approachable. Staying true to his roots remains a central theme for Bellingham. He said, "Massively important. I carry it with me in everything I do.
It’s not just the accent or the way you talk, it’s the values you take from Birmingham." He reiterated that the city’s culture of mutual support and encouragement has shaped his mindset, and he aims to showcase those values on the global stage, whether in Germany, Spain, or elsewhere. "I want to show the world that where I come from is an amazing place with amazing values," he declared.
Bellingham admitted that being a Brummie also means not taking oneself too seriously, a trait he embraces as part of his identity. He concluded, "It’s a huge honour to represent Birmingham on the world stage.
I don’t take it lightly. I want to keep doing it the right way so that my people back home are proud of me." The 2026 Hundred fixtures featuring Birmingham Phoenix include: - Friday 24 July: Phoenix vs Trent Rockets at Edgbaston (women’s 3 pm, men’s 6:30 pm) - Sunday 26 July: Manchester Super Giants vs Phoenix at Emirates Old Trafford (women’s 11 am, men’s 2:30 pm) - Thursday 30 July: Southern Brave vs Phoenix at Utilita Bowl (women’s 3 pm, men’s 6:30 pm) - Saturday 1 August: Phoenix vs Welsh Fire at Edgbaston (women’s 11 am, men’s 2:30 pm) - Wednesday 5 August: Trent Rockets vs Phoenix at Trent Bridge (women’s 3 pm, men’s 6:30 pm) - Friday 7 August: Phoenix vs Sunrisers Leeds at Edgbaston (women’s 3 pm, men’s 6:30 pm) - Sunday 9 August: London Spirit vs Phoenix at Lord’s (women’s 2:30 pm, men’s 6 pm) - Wednesday 12 August: Phoenix vs MI London at Edgbaston (women’s 3 pm, men’s 6:30 pm) All matches will be streamed live on Sky Sports, offering fans across the UK and Ireland uninterrupted access to the tournament.
Bellingham’s investment not only strengthens the Phoenix’s financial footing but also underscores his commitment to using sport as a bridge between communities, reinforcing the very spirit of Birmingham that he feels he owes.