Jude Bellingham explains why he invested almost £1million into cricket franchise

Jude Bellingham has invested close to £1million into The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix, saying that he owes the city.

The England international has been announced as a new investor in the side ahead of the 2026 season of the shortest format of the game launching.

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Bellingham is set to play a major role as well, with an active interest in community engagement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.

He will also take 1.2 per cent stake in the franchise, with Warwickshire County Cricket Club still owning a controlling stake of 50.4 per cent.

Birmingham City‘s owners, including NFL legend Tom Brady, own the rest of the team.

After announcing his investment, Bellingham sat down with Warwickshire CCC to discuss just why he’s taking an interest in cricket.

He said: “When I got the opportunity to get involved, I didn’t really think twice about it and I’m so happy to be on board.

“I love Birmingham. I’m very grateful for what they’ve done for me. The whole city of Birmingham really, well at least one half!

“It’s the West Midlands as a whole, I suppose. That’s where I played a lot of my football and cricket, but I’d say particularly Birmingham just because of the club that I played for.

“For me, Birmingham City are the best team I could have ever come through at and the best team I could have supported. I got the best upbringing into football, into life there.

“I feel like I owe the city something. And this feels like a good way, in a different but still sporting avenue.”

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Bellingham loves cricket

Interestingly, cricket has been a huge part of Bellingham’s life, with he and his brother playing it as kids.

And for the Real Madrid star, it is his favourite sport to watch, bar football.

He also believes that football could take a few things from cricket.

“I think they’re a lot more funny. There’s more humour in it,” he said.

“I’ve heard a lot of the stump mic and I’ve seen so many documentaries about some of the characters that have played over the years.

“I do think there’s probably a little bit more light-heartedness to the game, which means that people can relate to the players a little bit more. They’re probably less scrutinised and appreciated more for how good they are and how good they are as people as well.”

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The 100 rebrand

Ahead of the sixth season of The 100, there has been a rebrand for a lot of the teams.

Sections of the teams have been sold off, with the owners of the Mumbai Indians purchasing the Oval Invincibles and renaming them MI London.

Todd Boehly‘s Cain & Ares Management Credit funds have acquired a part of the Trent Rockets, and all eight sides have now sold at least a a part of themselves to outside investment.

Bellingham’s stake might be small, but it is clear he wants the best for the team and Warwickshire CCC.