Ryan Reynolds vs Tom Brady: the battle for British football dominance

Ryan Reynolds vs Tom Brady: Inside the transatlantic race to conquer British football

From League One to global fame, the American celebrity owners reshaping the future of English clubs

League One has become an unlikely stage for two of America’s most recognizable stars — Ryan Reynolds and Tom Brady — as they lead Wrexham and Birmingham City into a new era of British football. More than a footballing rivalry, their battle represents the collision of Hollywood, elite sport, and global media influence, with the Championship — and eventually the Premier League — in sight.

The American takeover of League One

Wrexham and Birmingham have both secured promotion this season, driven by the ambitions and capital of their famous owners. Wrexham, under the stewardship of Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, could finish with over 90 points. Birmingham, revitalized by Tom Brady and investment firm Knighthead Capital, are expected to end the campaign with 111 points.

Their influence goes far beyond matchday results. Documentaries, international tours, high-value sponsorships, and stadium projects have transformed these clubs into international brands — and made League One a testing ground for American ownership models in English football.

A financial power struggle

Reynolds and McElhenney have already made headlines by turning Wrexham into a financial powerhouse. After recording a turnover of £26.7 million in the 2023–24 financial year — up from £10.5 million — the club saw sponsorship revenue jump from £1.9 million to £13.2 million, thanks to deals with United Airlines and HP. Despite a net loss of £2.7 million, the club’s financial trajectory remains positive, and £15 million in owner loans have been fully repaid.

Birmingham, meanwhile, posted a pre-tax loss of £16.1 million in the same period but generated £28.7 million in revenue — a significant increase from the previous year — aided by Knighthead’s financial injection. Jay Stansfield became their most expensive signing at £15 million as the club spent over 30 times more than any other League One rival, including Wrexham.

Stadium dreams: Bigger, bolder, louder

Birmingham’s ownership has announced a transformative stadium plan to replace St Andrew’s with a 60,000-seat complex. The £2–3 billion project, located less than a mile from their current home, would include elite training facilities, a new academy, and commercial spaces. Knighthead executive Tom Wagner hopes the stadium will be completed by 2029.

Wrexham are not standing still. Plans are in place to expand the Racecourse Ground (STōK Cae Ras) to 55,000 seats in the long term. Demolition of the main stand began in early 2023, though construction has faced delays. A temporary 3,000-seat stand now fills the gap.

Building global fanbases

Both ownership groups have emphasized expanding their clubs’ presence in the United States. Wrexham’s rise has been documented in the hit series Welcome to Wrexham, which airs on Disney+ and has won eight Primetime Emmy Awards. The show has played a central role in globalizing the brand and driving non-European merchandise revenue to nearly a quarter of overall turnover in 2022–23.

Birmingham will soon follow suit with their own documentary series, set to air on Amazon Prime in over 200 countries. The series will feature behind-the-scenes footage, including appearances by Brady, and is executive produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.

“You go to New York City or LA, and you’ll see people wearing Birmingham City kits,” said Wagner. “They might not know what it is — but they will.”

Off-field figures and ownership dynamics

Despite being the public faces, Reynolds and Brady aren’t working alone. Reynolds is partnered with McElhenney, whose net worth is estimated at nearly £40 million. Brady, a minority stakeholder in Birmingham, joined the project after Knighthead Capital completed their £35 million takeover.

Both clubs employ experienced football professionals behind the scenes, but the cultural impact of their celebrity owners is undeniable — from sold-out US tours to massive social media reach and enhanced commercial opportunities.

Looking ahead: Championship and beyond

Promotion to the Championship brings both clubs closer to a potential £100 million windfall associated with Premier League status. However, the step up will be steep. The Championship is widely regarded as one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

“Championship status will place Wrexham in a £100m+ broadcast ecosystem,” said Dr. Rob Wilson. “It will further globalize their brand, particularly in North America, where the underdog-to-elite narrative resonates strongly.”

Wrexham’s rapid rise has included three consecutive promotions, while Birmingham are set to bounce back immediately following a turbulent relegation last season.

As Reynolds and Brady chart new territory in British football, their high-profile rivalry could set the stage for a new blueprint in club ownership — one driven by star power, strategic investment, and cross-Atlantic fandom.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for ongoing coverage of Wrexham, Birmingham, and the shifting landscape of football ownership.