The Welsh soccer club embarks on a U.S. tour, leveraging global fame and Hollywood connections to expand its brand
Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham AFC has already made waves in Hollywood, and now the Welsh soccer team is ready to take Tinseltown by storm. After being rejuvenated by Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney, the club is embarking on a highly anticipated U.S. tour this month, bringing the stars of the hit docuseries Welcome to Wrexham closer to fans across the Atlantic.
Once languishing in the fifth tier of English football, Wrexham now boasts a team that is internationally recognised, thanks to the spotlight shone on them by their Hollywood owners. The team will face off against Chelsea, Manchester United, LA Galaxy II, and Philadelphia Union II across various U.S. cities, including North Carolina, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Pennsylvania. The tour not only serves as a pre-season warm-up for the team, but also as an opportunity to grow their fanbase in the United States.
The Welcome to Wrexham docuseries, which chronicles the team’s transformation, has turned players like manager Phil Parkinson and striker Paul Mullin into household names. Mullin, in particular, has seen his profile skyrocket, aided by regular shout-outs from Reynolds on social media, which has a massive following of 49 million fans.
Wrexham’s journey to success has been about more than just football. After their $2.5 million purchase in 2021, Reynolds and McElhenney injected significant funds into player signings and stadium upgrades, culminating in the team’s promotion to the Football League after a 15-year hiatus. However, maintaining this success will require continued investment and leveraging their Hollywood status.
Beyond the loyal fanbase in Wrexham, Reynolds and McElhenney are tapping into commercial partnerships with major brands like TikTok, United Airlines, and Betty Buzz. These high-profile deals are indicative of the growing global appeal of the club and its star owners. The second season of Welcome to Wrexham is also eagerly awaited, particularly after the dramatic 3-2 win against Notts County that secured the team’s promotion.
One of the key figures in that triumph was 40-year-old former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, who saved a penalty in the final moments of the promotion-clinching match. Foster, who had recently come out of retirement, was so taken by the Wrexham project that he signed a one-year contract to extend his playing career. His involvement has also helped raise the profile of the team, with videos from the post-match celebrations, including Reynolds congratulating him, garnering millions of views online.
As Wrexham continues to aim high, the club’s journey is far from over. The team’s recent rise was sparked by the ambitious vision of its Hollywood owners, and expectations are high for the upcoming season. While back-to-back promotions might be a tall order, the belief that anything is possible under Reynolds and McElhenney’s ownership is stronger than ever. With the allure of Hollywood behind them, Wrexham’s future seems brighter than ever.
