Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, owners of Wrexham FC, have expanded their football investments by teaming up with a group of A-list investors to purchase a Colombian football team. The duo, along with high-profile personalities like actress Eva Longoria, have acquired a 99% stake in the Categoria Primera A club La Equidad in a deal valued at over $30 million (£24.5m), as reported by The Athletic.
Joining forces with the Tylis-Porter group, which includes celebrities such as Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, model Kate Upton, and NFL player Odell Beckham Jr., Reynolds and McElhenney continue to make waves in the world of football investments. The star-studded consortium, led by real estate investor Al Tylis and former Swansea City director Sam Porter, marks the third football club venture for Reynolds and McElhenney, having previously invested in Mexican side Club Necaxa.
The purchase of La Equidad signifies a strategic move for the investors to enhance the growth of the Bogota-based club and further establish their presence in Colombian football. The group’s commitment to elevating the club’s potential has been acknowledged by Porter, who highlighted the exceptional collaboration between the investors, including Longoria, Reynolds, McElhenney, and Shawn Marion.
Established in 1982 by an insurance company of the same name, La Equidad competes in the top tier of the Colombian league system. Although the club has never clinched a league title, its home stadium, Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, boasts a capacity of 10,000 spectators. News of the acquisition emerged in late 2024, with discussions progressing towards the successful completion of the deal.
Reynolds and McElhenney’s successful track record with Wrexham FC, which achieved consecutive promotions from the National League to League One, has garnered global attention, notably through the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary. The duo’s involvement extends beyond football investments, with an upcoming documentary on Club Necaxa in production, showcasing their diverse interests in the sports industry.
Moreover, the business ventures of Reynolds and McElhenney transcend football, as they are part of a consortium that secured a 24% equity stake in the Alpine Racing Formula 1 team. With their strategic investments and collaborative efforts with prominent personalities like Longoria, the duo continues to make significant strides in reshaping the landscape of sports ownership and entertainment.
In conclusion, the enthusiastic participation of Reynolds, McElhenney, and their esteemed partners in the acquisition of La Equidad underscores their shared vision to drive innovation and excellence in football and beyond. As they expand their portfolio and influence in the sports industry, their commitment to enhancing clubs’ potential and engaging global audiences remains unwavering. The dynamic approach of this star-studded group heralds a new era of football ownership and entertainment collaborations, setting a compelling precedent for future ventures in the realm of sports investments.