Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham has taken a minority ownership stake in Birmingham Phoenix ahead of The Hundred’s 2026 season, saying he feels he “owes” the city where he grew up. The Stourbridge-born star will focus on community engagement and corporate social responsibility initiatives designed to boost grassroots cricket and use sport to connect people from different backgrounds.
Bellingham has acquired a 1.2% equity share in the Phoenix. Warwickshire County Cricket Club will remain the majority holder with 50.4%, while Knighthead Capital Management — whose minority investors include Tom Brady — holds 48.4%.
Explaining his decision, Bellingham said he wanted to give back to Birmingham and that this investment felt like a meaningful way to do so outside of football. In a Q&A with Warwickshire CCC he recalled childhood games of cricket with his brother Jobe, describing the sport as one of his favourite pastimes to watch beyond football, and reflected on how Birmingham helped shape his values.
He spoke about the city’s supportive atmosphere, saying it encouraged people to do well and pushed him to improve. He tries to carry those local values with him while playing across Europe and on the world stage.
Bellingham also praised cricket for its etiquette and refinement, pointing to the dignity of moments like the toss, the traditional dressing and the way fans and players often interact. He suggested football could learn from cricket’s lighter, more humorous side and the way characters in the game connect with supporters. Keeping his roots close, he said, is hugely important and representing Birmingham internationally is an honour he wants to uphold so people back home can be proud.
This move comes amid a wider reshaping of The Hundred ahead of 2026. More than £520m of private capital has been injected into the competition since last year, and several clubs have rebranded as new ownership from the Indian Premier League has taken stake: Manchester Super Giants (formerly Originals), Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers) and MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles).
Broadcasters and schedule
Sky Sports will show every match from the 2026 men’s and women’s competitions live, with each matchday featuring a women’s fixture before the men’s game. The eliminators are set for Friday 14 August and the finals for Sunday 16 August.
Bellingham Q&A highlights (paraphrased)
– Why join Birmingham Phoenix? He said the opportunity to get involved was an easy decision because he loves Birmingham and wanted a way to give something back through sport.
– Was cricket competitive with his brother growing up? He recalled being a competitive pair, where games often ended in disputes, and that cricket was part of that rivalry even if his brother enjoyed it less.
– What values does cricket teach young people? He highlighted the game’s class and respect — the traditions, the way captains conduct themselves and the general decorum among teams and fans.
– Could football learn from cricket? Yes — he thinks cricket’s humour and colourful characters, often seen on stump mic clips and documentaries, help fans relate to players as people.
– How important are his roots? Hugely important. He said he carries Birmingham’s values in everything he does and wants to represent his hometown with pride.
Birmingham Phoenix 2026 fixtures (all UK & Ireland times; all games live on Sky Sports)
Friday July 24: Birmingham Phoenix vs Trent Rockets, Edgbaston (women 3pm, men 6.30pm)
Sunday July 26: Manchester Super Giants vs Birmingham Phoenix, Emirates Old Trafford (women 11am, men 2.30pm)
Thursday July 30: Southern Brave vs Birmingham Phoenix, Utilita Bowl (women 3pm, men 6.30pm)
Saturday August 1: Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire, Edgbaston (women 11am, men 2.30pm)
Wednesday August 5: Trent Rockets vs Birmingham Phoenix, Trent Bridge (women 3pm, men 6.30pm)
Friday August 7: Birmingham Phoenix vs Sunrisers Leeds, Edgbaston (women 3pm, men 6.30pm)
Sunday August 9: London Spirit vs Birmingham Phoenix, Lord’s (women 2.30pm, men 6pm)
Wednesday August 12: Birmingham Phoenix vs MI London, Edgbaston (women 3pm, men 6.30pm)
Watch The Hundred live on Sky Sports from July 21 to August 16, 2026.