After finding success as owners of English club Wrexham AFC, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are aiming to grow their soccer empire further. According to ESPN, the duo is finalizing a deal to buy a stake in Liga MX side Necaxa.
Reportedly, the deal, which has been in the works for months, will see Reynolds and McElhenney acquire a minority stake in Necaxa. They will join a number of other celebrities in the club’s ownership structure including actress Eva Longoria, retired soccer player Mesut Özil, NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and Houston Astros’ ace Justin Verlander.
Founded in 1923, Necaxa has a rich history, winning Mexico’s national league title three times and lifting the Copa MX trophy eight times. However, the club has been having a hard time finding success recently, finishing last in the standings in the 2023 campaign.
Reynolds and McElhenney will now likely try to use their experience gained leading Wrexham to try and revive Necaxa. The duo’s acquisition of the Welsh club was initially met with skepticism but they have since managed to silence doubters.
Under Reynolds and McElhenney’s ownership, Wrexham achieved back-to-back promotions and will play next season in EFL League One, the third tier of the English football system, for the first time since 2004–05. Additionally, the club also increased its global profile, becoming more attractive to players and sponsors.
