 "Dream Sports' co-founder Harsh Jain with Salford City co-owner and football legend David Beckham. Image: Harsh Jain on X")
Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds’ success in British football, where he has seen his investment grow multiple times, is attracting a lot of Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs) and successful businesses to invest in the clubs in the region.
The latest to join the bandwagon is Alexis Ohanian, the Reddit co-founder and husband of tennis great Serena Williams, and India’s fantasy sports and gaming major, Dream Sports.
Ryan Reynolds bought Welsh football club Wrexham AFC with another Hollywood actor, Rob McElhenney, for £2 million in 2021. At that time, the club was in the National League, which is the fifth tier of English football.
With the financial and strategic help from Reynolds and some brilliant on-field coaching from Phil Parkinson, Wrexham have now secured three back-to-back promotions and will be playing in England’s second division of the football pyramid next season.
Reynolds’ investment is also set to grow by 7,400% as Wrexham’s valuation is expected to rise to £150 million .
English football attracts big money from across the globe
Joining the bandwagon, Ohanian, who is known for investing in women’s sports teams, has acquired a 10% stake in Women’s Super League champions Chelsea.
“I’ve bet big on women’s sports before—and I’m doing it again,” Ohanian posted on X. “I’m proud to announce that I’m joining Chelsea Women as an investor and board member. I’m honored for the chance to help this iconic club become America’s favourite WSL team and much, much more.”
Ohanian’s investment of £20 million values the London-based club at about £200 million.
The 42-year-old has a strong track record in women’s sports, having been the largest shareholder of Angel City FC, a club he helped launch with much fanfare in 2020. The team was eventually sold in 2024 for £197 million.
He also founded Athlos NYC, a women-only track and field event that debuted in September, awarding $60,000 to each winner.
According to The Times, Ohanian and Serena Williams are expected to attend the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, where Chelsea will face Manchester United.
Joining the European football party is India’s Dream Sports.
Dream Sports, who are known for its fantasy sports platform Dream11, has joined the ownership group of English football club Salford City FC. Salford City’s co-owners include football legends and former Manchester United players David Beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
Salford City currently competes in League Two, which is the fourth tier of English football.
While the exact investment form Dream Sports in Salford is still unknown, it seems like it will not be the end of money flowing into English football.