Real Madrid's **Jude Bellingham** Buys Stake in Cricket's Hundred Franchise Birmingham Phoenix
Surprise Move into Sports Business
**Jude Bellingham**, the 22-year-old midfielder for **Real Madrid** and England, has made a surprise move into the business side of professional sport by becoming a minority shareholder in cricket's Hundred franchise **Birmingham Phoenix**.
Investment and Role
Bellingham joins the ownership group ahead of the 2026 cricket season, taking a **1.2 per cent equity stake** in the cricket team based at **Edgbaston**. He will focus on community engagement and social responsibility projects, aiming to use his global profile to increase sports participation across the **West Midlands**.
- **Jude Bellingham** takes 1.2% equity stake in **Birmingham Phoenix**
- Focus on community engagement and social responsibility projects
- Aims to increase sports participation across the **West Midlands**
"I feel like I owe the city something. And this feels like a good way. 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." - **Jude Bellingham**
Connection to Birmingham
**Jude Bellingham**, who had his number **22** shirt retired by **Birmingham City**, expressed his connection to the city, stating he feels like he owes it something. This investment opportunity allows him to give back and be involved in sports in his hometown.
