Star footballer Jude Bellingham buys stake in Birmingham Phoenix

England football star Jude Bellingham has purchased a minority stake in The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix, with Warwickshire set to formally announce the development.

Last year, American investment firm Knighthead Capital acquired a 49 percent stake in the franchise, becoming co-owners alongside Warwickshire. It has now emerged that Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder who grew up in Birmingham, has bought a small share from both parties.

Warwickshire revealed in their recent annual report that 1.2 percent of Birmingham Phoenix shares were sold to “an investor” in January 2026, of which 0.6 percent came from the club’s holding. Following Bellingham’s investment, the club now holds 50.4 percent of the shares, while Knighthead owns 48.4 percent.

Bellingham’s stake is estimated to be worth around £1 million. The report also stated that the “fair value” of Warwickshire’s 51 percent ownership in the franchise is approximately £48 million, based on Knighthead’s initial investment and a control premium applied to the majority stake.

When stakes in the franchises were sold last year, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said there would be a five-year lock-in period for new investors. However, Bellingham’s investment was allowed as it had been pre-approved by both Warwickshire and Knighthead. A similar arrangement saw co-owners of Seattle Orcas acquire a small stake in Southern Brave in January.

Bellingham began his career at Birmingham City’s academy and became the club’s youngest-ever first-team player at the age of 16. After one full season, he joined Borussia Dortmund for a reported £22.75 million and later moved to Real Madrid in 2023 for around £88 million.

Warwickshire have declined to comment but are expected to officially confirm Bellingham’s investment on Wednesday.