Bellingham Takes Stake in Birmingham Phoenix Franchise

England and Real Madrid footballer Jude Bellingham has purchased a 1% ownership stake in the Hundred cricket franchise Birmingham Phoenix. The investment marks the midfielder's entry into cricket team ownership as the franchise continues to build its investor portfolio.

Jude Bellingham, the 21-year-old midfielder for Real Madrid and the England national football team, has become a minority stakeholder in the Birmingham Phoenix cricket franchise. The investment represents a 1% ownership stake in the English Premier League cricket team competing in the Hundred format.

Bellingham's entry into cricket team ownership reflects a growing trend among professional footballers seeking to diversify their business interests beyond their primary sport. The Real Madrid star joins other high-profile athletes who have invested in various cricket franchises across different leagues and formats.

Birmingham Phoenix competes in The Hundred, an innovative cricket format featuring 100 balls per innings, designed to create shorter and more dynamic matches. The franchise is based in Birmingham, England, and attracts significant investment and fan engagement through the tournament structure.

The move demonstrates Bellingham's interest in broadening his investment portfolio while remaining connected to the sporting world. As one of Europe's most promising young footballers, his involvement with the franchise adds prominence to the Birmingham Phoenix organization and highlights cricket's appeal as an investment opportunity for elite athletes from other sports.