Championship club Wrexham will receive a huge cash deposit from Apollo Sports Capital.
Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have issued a joint statement after it was announced that the Red Dragons have welcomed a new minority investor into the club.
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North American actors Reynolds and Mac – formerly McElhenney – bought Wrexham in February 2021, and the team has since achieved three consecutive promotions under head coach Phil Parkinson.
This season, however, life in the Championship – English football’s second division – has proved tough, even though the team is in 12th place out of 24 teams despite currently being on a nine-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
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Still, as things stand now, the Red Dragons are only three points off the playoff places after 19 games.
Of the 13 summer signings the club made, Wales international Kieffer Moore has arguably made the biggest impression, scoring eight goals in 18 Championship appearances since arriving from Sheffield United.
With the January transfer window less than a month away from opening, the club can look to crack cash again to help the team secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive promotion.
And they could be helped by new minority investors, Apollo Sports Capital (ASC), an affiliate of Apollo.
The club announced the news on December 8, stating that the investment “is in line” with Wrexham’s long-term growth strategy and goal of reaching the Premier League.
The investors will help fund the redevelopment of Stok Cae Ras and fund the Wrexham Gateway project, which is about developing the city’s connectivity and economic future.
In a joint statement, Reynolds and Mac said: “From day one, we wanted to build a sustainable future for Wrexham Association Football Club. And to do it with a little heart and humor. The dream has always been to take this club to the Premier League while staying true to the city. Such growth requires world-class partners who share our vision and ambition, and Apollo certainly does that. We have known Al Tylis, CEO of Apollo Sports Capital, for many years and are thrilled to now have ASC join the Wrexham family as we take the next step together.”
There are no details on the amount raised in connection with the investment, although it is believed to be less than a 10 percent stake, according to BBC Sport.
ASC also became the majority owner of La Liga’s Atlético last month and got to know Reynolds and Mac through various other investments – such as a small stake in Mexican club Necaxa.
Apollo claims to have more than $900 billion in assets under management.
Apollo’s partner and co-portfolio manager for ASC, Lee Solomon, said: “Wrexham is on an incredible journey and we are thrilled to be part of it and to support the club, the Wrexham community, and Rob and Ryan. This is a multi-faceted investment where Apollo Sports Capital can provide long-term, patient capital to help Wrexham achieve its goals and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the facilities and local economy.”
