In a move that fuses celebrity business savvy with deep-rooted local passion, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have once again made headlines—this time not just for their involvement in football, but for venturing into Britain’s cherished craft beer industry.
The duo, known for their unlikely and highly successful ownership of Wrexham A.F.C., have sold a minority share of the football club and simultaneously acquired a stake in a rising U.K. craft brewery. Reynolds and McElhenney’s investment in the Wrexham-based club has been nothing short of transformative.
Their tenure brought global visibility, financial stability, and a genuine emotional connection to the town of Wrexham. Now, as they sell part of their stake in the club, they are doubling down on their U.K. interests by investing in a brewery that aligns with their brand of storytelling, authenticity, and community engagement.
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From Underdogs to Football Phenoms
The Wrexham Miracle
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over Wrexham A.F.C. in 2020, purchasing the historic club that had fallen on hard times both on and off the field. Most fans saw the announcement as either a joke or a publicity stunt. It was neither.
Through meticulous planning, investment, and genuine emotional involvement, the duo reshaped the club’s trajectory. Their story was immortalized in the hit FX docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, which brought unprecedented visibility to the club and its supporters. The series went beyond the pitch to showcase Wrexham’s culture, challenges, and characters—earning it critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
The pair invested in player acquisitions, stadium renovations, youth programs, and local sponsorships. In 2023, Wrexham returned to the English Football League for the first time in 15 years, a feat celebrated with tears, cheers, and sold-out stadiums.
Why Sell a Stake in Wrexham Now?
The news of the minority stake sale came as a surprise to fans and media alike. According to official statements from Reynolds and McElhenney, the move was part of a long-term financial and strategic plan. “This is not a farewell,” McElhenney noted in a press conference. “This is a way to bring more voices and more expertise into Wrexham’s journey. We’re still here. We’re still committed.”
Reports suggest that the duo sold approximately 15% of the club to a group of local Welsh businesspeople and international sports investors. The valuation of Wrexham A.F.C. has skyrocketed since their purchase, meaning even a small stake now commands a significant financial return.
Some of this capital, according to sources close to the transaction, will be reinvested directly into the club—upgrading training facilities, enhancing youth academies, and improving fan experiences. The remaining capital is being used for another venture: a U.K. craft brewery that the duo believes has as much potential as Wrexham did four years ago.
Tapping Into Beer Culture
Introducing the Brewery Venture
The brewery in question is “Green Gate Brewing,” a rapidly growing microbrewery based in the North of England. Known for its small-batch ales, sustainable practices, and loyal regional following, Green Gate has recently expanded distribution across the U.K., appearing in major supermarket chains and pubs.
Reynolds and McElhenney are not simply passive investors. Much like their involvement with Wrexham, they plan to bring their storytelling skills, marketing acumen, and creative flair to Green Gate. Rumors are already swirling about a docuseries that would track the rebranding and expansion of the brewery.
Reynolds, who also owns a significant stake in Aviation American Gin, is no stranger to the beverage industry. “Craft beer is a cultural experience, and we want to tell its story the right way,” he said in a joint statement with McElhenney.
Strategic Diversification or Brand Expansion?
Some analysts see this move as a textbook example of strategic brand diversification. Reynolds and McElhenney have become expert curators of the intersection between media, sports, and consumer products. By shifting part of their attention and capital to the brewery sector, they are establishing an empire built on trust, relatability, and passion.
They’re also creating brand synergy: imagine Green Gate Brewing sponsoring matches at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground, or themed beer nights during matches, or even limited-edition cans featuring club moments and players.
Impact on Wrexham A.F.C.
For supporters, the biggest question remains: Will the sale impact the club’s future?
All signs point to no. In fact, Reynolds and McElhenney have insisted that they remain committed to Wrexham in both operational and emotional terms. They continue to serve as co-chairmen and active voices in club decisions.
The new minority owners have also expressed support for the current direction, seeing their role more as supporters than disruptors. Club CEO Fleur Robinson praised the move as “a responsible, forward-looking decision that secures even greater stability and growth opportunities for Wrexham A.F.C.”
The Brewery-Wrexham Connection
Though based outside Wrexham, Green Gate Brewing plans to open a satellite taproom in the Welsh town as part of the new investment. The idea is to blend football culture with craft beer culture in a way that strengthens local community ties and boosts tourism.
Plans are also in motion for collaborative events, including pre-game beer gardens, post-match live music, and exclusive club-themed brews—further embedding the brewery in Wrexham’s cultural life. It’s a win-win for everyone involved, and a creative way to blur the lines between passion projects and profitable business ventures.
A Broader Business Philosophy
Reynolds and McElhenney aren’t simply investing for profit. Their business moves are increasingly guided by a narrative philosophy—one where commerce is a vessel for connection, culture, and emotional investment. Both men have emphasized the importance of “impact capitalism”—investing in ways that generate financial returns while also empowering communities and amplifying human stories.
From Wrexham to Hollywood, from football fields to brewery floors, the duo’s impact is growing in both expected and surprising ways.
Fan Reactions
Fan responses to the news have been overwhelmingly positive. Social media is filled with supportive comments, excitement about the brewery’s arrival in Wrexham, and humorous memes about drinking “Ryan’s Red Ale” while watching the team play.
Wrexham supporter forums note that trust has been built over the years and that this latest move appears to follow the same thoughtful, community-first ethos that has defined the Reynolds-McElhenney era. And now, with a pint in hand and football on the screen, fans can toast to a future that promises even more unforgettable chapters.
Frequently Asked Question
Why did Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney sell a minority share in Wrexham A.F.C.?
They sold approximately 15% of their stake to diversify the club’s ownership and bring in additional capital for long-term investments, including infrastructure, training facilities, and fan experience improvements.
Will Reynolds and McElhenney still be involved in Wrexham A.F.C.?
Yes, they remain co-chairmen and active participants in the club’s day-to-day management and strategic direction.
What is the name of the brewery they invested in?
The brewery is called Green Gate Brewing, a fast-growing craft beer company based in Northern England.
Is the brewery located in Wrexham?
While Green Gate Brewing is not based in Wrexham, the company plans to open a taproom and event space in the town as part of its expansion.
Is this move part of a bigger business plan?
Yes, it fits into a broader strategy of brand expansion and community investment, building synergy between the football club, the brewery, and storytelling through media.
Will there be a docuseries about the brewery like Welcome to Wrexham?
While nothing is confirmed, industry insiders suggest that a docuseries is being developed, focusing on the rebranding and growth of Green Gate Brewing.
How have Wrexham fans reacted to the news?
Fan response has been largely positive, with many expressing excitement about the brewery partnership and trust in the duo’s ongoing vision for the club.
Conclusion
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s journey from Hollywood stars to respected football club owners—and now brewery investors—has been anything but conventional. Yet, their decisions continue to resonate because they are grounded in passion, storytelling, and a genuine commitment to the people and places they touch. Selling a minority stake in Wrexham A.F.C. was never about stepping back; it was about stepping forward—strategically and creatively. With a new brewery under their belt and a club still thriving, the duo has once again proven that they’re not just actors in a role. They’re visionaries shaping a legacy.