In recent years, Wrexham AFC has experienced a monumental rise in popularity, transforming from a local football club to a global sports phenomenon. The catalysts behind this newfound fame, namely the club’s change in ownership and the success of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary, have led to this rise in coverage and popularity. Here are just some things that have happened to influence the rise of Wrexham AFC in recent years.
Bringing the oldest club in Wales into the spotlight
Since 2020, there have been significant developments that have aided in the growth of this Welsh football club. Starting with new ownership, much has unfolded which has helped the football club become more popular:
New ownership in 2020
In November 2020, the landscape of Wrexham AFC was forever altered with the surprising entry of Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds as one of the new owners. Reynolds, internationally recognised for his roles in popular films such as ‘Deadpool’ and ‘Free Guy’, brought with him not only a financial investment but also a significant boost in the club’s global visibility.
As an actor known for his charismatic and humorous persona on screen, his involvement instantly piqued the interest of fans and media worldwide. He was joined by co-owner Rob McElhenney, a fellow actor and the creator of the popular American sitcom ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’, to much media attention.
‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary
‘Welcome to Wrexham’, a documentary series that premiered in August 2022, opened a new window into the world of Wrexham AFC under the stewardship of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Disney+ series took viewers on an intimate journey through the club’s climb in the National League, capturing the ebbs and flows of its first season under the new ownership.
Produced by Boardwalk Pictures and co-produced by Reynolds’ Maximum Effort, the show not only heightened the club’s global visibility but also contributed significantly to its budget that year. The documentary has been instrumental in boosting Wrexham AFC’s popularity, providing an unprecedented look into the club’s transformation.
Social following has dramatically increased
The transformation of Wrexham A.F.C over the past two years, under the new ownership of actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, has stirred global interest and led to a remarkable surge in the club’s social media following.
As of October 2022, the club surpassed one million combined followers across its social media platforms, boosted significantly by the attention garnered from the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ series. In just six weeks following August 30, 2022, the club gained over 200,000 new followers.
This increased visibility has brought lucrative opportunities, including a high-profile sponsorship deal with social media platform TikTok, further solidifying Wrexham AFC’s ascendance in the global football scene.
Big and local brand sponsorships have supported the team
Since the rising popularity of the team began, Wrexham AFC has had the opportunity to work with some well-known brands. The club had the pleasure of partnering with the highly successful social media platform, TikTok, with the brand’s name printed across the front of the kit.
The club’s kit is also sponsored by Expedia, one of the world’s largest travel sites, with the brand name printed across the back of the shirt. The growing success of the team has allowed the establishment of these high-authority sponsors for the team.
The club has also been able to promote a variety of smaller, local businesses in the local area which has helped to reflect their respect for the surrounding community. Wrexham AFC has had sponsors from brands like vehicle lease specialists V4B and Wrexham Lager which has not only helped to highlight local businesses but has helped with the progression and growth of the club.
Wrexham AFC’s iconic promotion to EFL League 2
Wrexham AFC’s remarkable journey has culminated in a historic promotion to League Two, marking the end of a 15-year absence from the Football League. The new popularity of the club not only increased global awareness of the club but also generated significant revenue, enabling the club to invest in strong player transfers.
These strategic moves helped to strengthen the team and ultimately contributed to their successful promotion campaign. Their success secured them automatic promotion for the 2022/23 season.
The Future Looks Bright for Wrexham AFC
The transformation of Wrexham AFC under the stewardship of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has been remarkable. High-profile sponsorships, global exposure, and a commitment to the local community have propelled the club to new heights. As Wrexham’s extraordinary journey continues, the football world watches with anticipation and intrigue.
