Reynolds and Mac: Transforming Wrexham AFC and Inspiring American Football Enthusiasm

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney made headlines in 2021 when they completed a remarkable takeover of Wrexham AFC in North Wales. Following their acquisition, they swiftly aimed to broaden the club’s global outreach, launching the docuseries ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ and making significant investments in both the club’s roster and the surrounding community.

By this time, the popularity of ‘Ted Lasso’ had already begun to rise, with the first season of the acclaimed Apple TV series premiering in August 2020. This led to inevitable comparisons between the endearing American coach at AFC Richmond and the high-profile Hollywood duo managing Wrexham, as both entities embraced the mantra of ‘Believe’.

Since the takeover, Wrexham has ascended to the Championship, achieving three consecutive promotions and making history in the process. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for Season 4 of ‘Ted Lasso’. Ex-USMNT player Brek Shea commented on the dual success stories of Reynolds and the show, stating, “Ryan Reynolds is a big figure here, and what he’s accomplished is incredible. It mirrors the essence of ‘Ted Lasso’. This underdog team has new ownership and has been promoted every year; it’s quite remarkable. For American fans, gaining insight into this dynamic—with promotion and relegation—adds an exciting dimension, as we don’t have that system here.”

The impact of Reynolds and the ‘Ted Lasso’ phenomenon on American audiences hasn’t gone unnoticed. Football finance expert Adam Sommerfield remarked on the potential influx of American investment into the English Football League (EFL). In a discussion on the Football Daily podcast, he stated, “We have ultra-high-net-worth individuals inspired by ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ and ‘Ted Lasso’ expressing interest in purchasing teams. Given the current landscape, it’s hard to imagine there being teams that haven’t engaged with US investors recently.”

Reynolds and McElhenney have even addressed the show directly, responding to a scene where a character named Leslie Higgins, played by Jeremy Swift, questioned whether their ownership of Wrexham was genuine. In a playful social media post, they stated, “It has come to our attention that in a recent episode of ‘Ted Lasso’, our genuine ownership of Wrexham AFC was called into question by a beloved character, Higgins. While we have great respect for Jeremy Swift and appreciate the acknowledgment on such a celebrated platform, we must insist on clarity regarding our unwavering commitment to the club and its community.”

As the storyline of ‘Ted Lasso’ progresses with AFC Richmond achieving Premier League status and qualifying for the Champions League, Reynolds and McElhenney aspire to mirror this success with Wrexham. They have contributed to a substantial investment of over £30 million ($40 million) aimed at elevating the team to new heights and fulfilling the dreams of the club’s dedicated supporters.