Finance expert reveals how much money Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have lost since buying Wrexham
Finance expert reveals how much money Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have lost since buying Wrexham
The Hollywood actors officially completed their takeover of Wrexham AFC back in February 2021, when the club was still competing in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. From the moment the deal was finalized, it was clear that Reynolds and McElhenney were determined to transform the club both on and off the pitch, investing significant resources to revitalize its fortunes.
Since their arrival, Wrexham has enjoyed a remarkable rise through the English football pyramid, securing three successive promotions that have catapulted them from Non-League football all the way to the Championship. This incredible journey has captured the imagination of fans worldwide, especially through the popularity of the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary series, which has provided an intimate look at the club’s rebirth under its celebrity owners.
The club’s surge in global profile has also opened up major commercial opportunities. Wrexham has signed lucrative sponsorship deals with major brands such as United Airlines, TikTok, and Reynolds’ own Aviation Gin company. Thanks to these partnerships and the increased media exposure, the club’s revenue has seen an extraordinary leap, soaring from just £2.5 million in 2019 to £10.5 million by 2023.
However, despite the significant growth in revenue streams—including substantial earnings from ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcast rights—Kieran Maguire has suggested that the financial commitment by Reynolds and McElhenney has been far greater than many realize. According to his analysis, the duo have incurred losses of up to £20 million since taking over the club.
Speaking on The Price of Football podcast earlier this year, Maguire detailed the financial reality behind the Hollywood-backed project. He said:
“Looking at the losses, Reynolds and McElhenney acquired the club in November 2020. Between that season and 2023—which covers about two and a half years—they lost approximately £8 million, even factoring in the major boost from international branding and sponsorship deals. When you add in the direct investments they’ve made to cover operating costs and other club needs, it’s reasonable to estimate that the total amount they are down is somewhere between £18 million and £20 million.”
A significant portion of these expenses, Maguire explained, stemmed from Wrexham’s aggressive wage policy. The club broke with tradition by paying salaries that far exceeded the usual rates at National League level.
He elaborated:
“During their time in the National League, I estimate Wrexham players were earning an average of £3,000 a week, which is extraordinary for that division. Some of the bigger names they attracted were reportedly earning double that figure—something virtually unheard of at that level of English football.”
This financial clout allowed Wrexham to recruit players who were plying their trade two divisions higher, with many League One and League Two players willing to step down to the National League because the pay packages on offer were so attractive.
“At the end of the day, it’s a professional career, and players naturally follow where the money is,” Maguire added.
While the short-term financial losses for Reynolds and McElhenney are significant, many experts believe the long-term potential could ultimately make the project worthwhile. If Wrexham can establish themselves in the Championship—and potentially aim for promotion to the Premier League—the value of the club could skyrocket, offering the owners a chance to recoup their investment many times over.
For now, though, it remains a labor of love, with the Hollywood duo continuing to bankroll one of the most compelling football fairytales in recent memory.