Apollo invests in Wrexham AFC as Hollywood owners expand club ambitions

Apollo Global Management has bought a minority stake in Wrexham AFC, supporting the Welsh club’s redevelopment and Premier League ambitions under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Private equity giant Apollo Global Management has acquired a minority stake of less than 10% in Wrexham AFC, the Welsh football club whose profile and fortunes have soared under Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, and Reynolds and McElhenney will remain the club’s controlling shareholders.

The investment will support the redevelopment of Wrexham’s 13,000-capacity Racecourse Ground, expand commercial assets, and help the club pursue its long-term goal of reaching the Premier League. Wrexham has seen a remarkable rise since the actors purchased the club in 2021 for £2 million, achieving three consecutive promotions to reach the EFL Championship. The club expects revenues of around £50 million this season, nearly double that of 2023–24, fueled by international merchandise sales and growing global interest.

Apollo, which manages roughly $908 billion in assets, is pushing further into sports investing through its new subsidiary Apollo Sports Capital, aiming to invest $5 billion in the sector.

The firm has also acquired a majority stake in Atlético Madrid, valuing Spain’s third-largest club at more than €2 billion, and provided financing to Nottingham Forest, supporting infrastructure and sporting ambitions. Lee Solomon, Apollo partner, described the Wrexham deal as a “multi-faceted investment” designed to provide patient capital while revitalizing facilities and supporting the local economy.

Reynolds and McElhenney said: “The dream has always been to take this club to the Premier League while staying true to the town. Growth like that takes world-class partners who share our vision and ambition, and Apollo absolutely does.”

Wrexham continues to build a new stand, increasing stadium capacity to 18,000 and positioning itself for potential Welsh top-tier international fixtures. The club currently sits 12th in the Championship after 19 games, keeping its Premier League aspirations alive.