Jude Bellingham Acquires Stake in Birmingham Phoenix Cricket

Jude Bellingham, a 21-year-old midfielder currently playing for Real Madrid and the England national team, has acquired a 1% stake in the Birmingham Phoenix cricket team for around £800,000. This investment is part of a growing trend among high-profile football players to diversify their investments into other sports, particularly cricket.

The deal is expected to be officially confirmed on Wednesday. The Birmingham Phoenix is a franchise competing in short-format competitions, and it has recently undergone significant ownership changes, with American investment firm Knighthead Capital Management purchasing a 49% stake for £48 million.

Warwickshire County Cricket Club retains a 51% share. Bellingham, who has a background in junior cricket, has expressed admiration for England Test captain Ben Stokes and is part of an investment group that includes NFL legend Tom Brady, highlighting the crossover of elite athletes into ownership stakes in global sports franchises.