Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac Sell Minority Stake in Wrexham AFC to Apollo Sports Capital

Reynolds and Mac emphasized that the partnership with Apollo aligns with their long-term vision to elevate Wrexham to the Premier League while maintaining strong community ties. Apollo’s involvement brings “world-class partners” and patient capital essential for sustainable growth and infrastructure enhancement, reinforcing the club’s competitive and commercial ambitions[2][3][5].

Background on Ownership and Club Performance

Ryan Reynolds, known globally for his film career including the Deadpool franchise, and Rob Mac, famed for his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, have been instrumental in revitalizing Wrexham AFC. Since their acquisition, the club has achieved three consecutive promotions, culminating in its current position in the EFL Championship, one tier below the Premier League. This sporting success has been accompanied by a 155% revenue increase to $35.6 million for the fiscal year ending June 2024, underscoring the commercial momentum generated under their stewardship[3][5].

Apollo Sports Capital’s Role and Investment Context

Apollo Sports Capital, having launched its dedicated sports investment arm in late 2025, is rapidly expanding its portfolio with high-profile acquisitions. The Wrexham minority stake follows Apollo’s majority acquisition of Atlético de Madrid, valued at $2.55 billion, signaling Apollo’s strategic focus on sports assets with strong growth potential and global brand appeal.

Apollo’s CEO of Sports Capital, Al Tylis, shares a prior investment connection with Reynolds and Mac through Colombian club La Equidad, facilitating a trusted partnership foundation. Apollo’s investment is designed to provide long-term, patient capital to support Wrexham’s infrastructure redevelopment and community revitalization efforts, aligning with the club’s sustainable growth strategy[3][5].

Legal and Advisory Framework

Wrexham AFC and its owners were advised by Gibson Dunn’s New York corporate team on the transaction. The advisory scope included capital markets, UK real estate and stadium finance, corporate, tax, antitrust, benefits, and regulatory aspects, reflecting the complexity of cross-border sports investment deals. This comprehensive legal support underscores the sophistication and scale of the transaction[4].

Implications for M&A and Private Equity in Sports

The Wrexham deal exemplifies emerging trends in private equity minority investments in football clubs and the increasing role of alternative asset managers in sports. It highlights how celebrity ownership combined with institutional capital can accelerate club growth, stadium modernization, and brand expansion. The transaction also illustrates the growing appetite for cross-border sports M&A and the strategic use of minority stakes to balance control retention with capital infusion.

Looking Ahead: Wrexham’s Premier League Ambitions

Reynolds and Mac remain controlling owners, committed to preserving Wrexham’s heritage and community values while leveraging their global profiles and Apollo’s financial backing to build a winning culture. The partnership aims to enhance fan engagement, increase stadium capacity and quality, and position Wrexham as a sustainable Premier League contender in the near future[5].

Key Takeaways for Executives and Investors

• Minority stake sales can provide critical growth capital while allowing founders or controlling owners to maintain strategic control.
• Celebrity-led sports ownership combined with private equity investment can unlock significant brand and commercial value.
• Infrastructure investments, such as stadium redevelopment, are central to long-term sports asset value creation.
• Cross-border sports M&A requires multi-disciplinary legal and financial advisory expertise to navigate complex regulatory and market environments.
• Aligning investor vision with club culture and community values is essential for sustainable growth in sports investments.

Visual Summary: Wrexham AFC Ownership and Investment Timeline