What Happened to Wrexham Association Football Club?
Wrexham AFC, a historic Welsh football club, was acquired by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in February 2021, transforming its fortunes. Under their ownership and the global spotlight of the 'Welcome to Wrexham' docuseries, the club achieved three consecutive promotions from the National League to the EFL Championship by May 2025. As of April 2026, Wrexham is competing in the Championship and actively pursuing a playoff spot for potential promotion to the Premier League, while also undertaking a significant stadium expansion.
Quick Answer
Wrexham AFC, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney since 2021, has experienced a remarkable resurgence, securing three consecutive promotions from the fifth-tier National League to the EFL Championship by May 2025. As of April 3, 2026, the club is competing in the second tier of English football, currently sitting 7th in the Championship table and in strong contention for a playoff position. The Racecourse Ground is also undergoing a major redevelopment of its Kop Stand, projected to be completed in early 2027, increasing the stadium's capacity to approximately 18,000.
πKey Facts
π Complete Timeline15 events
Wrexham AFC Founded
Wrexham Association Football Club is formed by members of the local cricket club, making it the oldest professional club in Wales and the third oldest in the world.
Hollywood Actors Announce Takeover Bid
Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney publicly announce their intention to acquire Wrexham AFC, which was then a fan-owned club in the fifth tier of English football.
Supporters Trust Approves Takeover
The Wrexham Supporters Trust members vote overwhelmingly (98%) in favor of the takeover bid by Reynolds and McElhenney.
Takeover Officially Completed
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney officially complete their takeover of Wrexham AFC, investing Β£2 million into the club.
'Welcome to Wrexham' Docuseries Announced
The all-access documentary series 'Welcome to Wrexham', chronicling the club's journey under its new ownership, is announced, significantly raising its global profile.
Promoted to League Two
Wrexham wins the National League title with a record 111 points, securing promotion back to the English Football League (League Two) after a 15-year absence.
Promoted to League One
Wrexham secures a second consecutive promotion, finishing as runners-up in League Two and earning a spot in League One for the 2024-25 season.
'Welcome to Wrexham' Season 3 Premieres
The third season of the popular docuseries 'Welcome to Wrexham' premieres, covering the club's 2023-24 League Two campaign and promotion.
Promoted to EFL Championship
Wrexham achieves a historic third consecutive promotion, finishing as runners-up in League One and ascending to the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football.
Kop Stand Redevelopment Begins
Groundbreaking for the new Kop Stand at the Racecourse Ground officially begins, with the project aiming for completion during the 2026/27 season to increase stadium capacity to over 18,000.
Phil Parkinson Reaches 250 Games
Manager Phil Parkinson takes charge of Wrexham for the 250th time, cementing his place as one of the club's most successful managers with three promotions under his belt.
Owners Affirm Parkinson's 'Job for Life'
Rob McElhenney publicly states that manager Phil Parkinson has the 'job for life' at Wrexham, highlighting the owners' confidence in his leadership.
Wrexham Player Helps Jamaica Towards World Cup
A Wrexham star helps Jamaica reach the final of their inter-confederation playoff, taking a step closer to World Cup qualification.
Competing for Championship Playoffs
Wrexham AFC is currently 7th in the EFL Championship table, on goal difference behind 6th-placed Southampton, and is actively competing for a promotion playoff spot with seven games remaining in the season.
Announces 2026 USA Summer Tour
Wrexham AFC announces its third pre-season tour of the United States, with matches scheduled against Liverpool, Leeds United, and Sunderland AFC.
πDeep Dive Analysis
Wrexham Association Football Club, founded in 1864, holds the distinction of being the oldest professional football club in Wales and the third oldest in the world. For decades, the club experienced periods of decline, eventually falling out of the Football League in 2008 and spending 15 years in non-league football, primarily the National League.
A pivotal turning point occurred in September 2020 when Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney announced their intention to purchase the club. The Wrexham Supporters Trust, which had owned the club since 2011, overwhelmingly approved the takeover in November 2020, and the deal was officially completed in February 2021 with a Β£2 million investment. The new owners' vision was to grow the team into a global force, return it to the English Football League (EFL), and improve the stadium and community. This acquisition was famously documented in the Emmy-winning docuseries 'Welcome to Wrexham,' which significantly boosted the club's international profile.
Under the management of Phil Parkinson, appointed in July 2021, Wrexham embarked on an unprecedented run of success. The club won the National League title in the 2022-23 season, securing promotion back to League Two after a 15-year absence. This was followed by a second consecutive promotion in the 2023-24 season, finishing as runners-up in League Two and moving up to League One. The remarkable ascent continued in May 2025, when Wrexham achieved a third successive promotion, finishing runners-up in League One and earning a spot in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football, for the first time since 1982.
As of April 3, 2026, Wrexham AFC is competing in the EFL Championship. The team has had a strong 2025-26 season, currently sitting 7th in the league table with 63 points, just outside the promotion playoff spots on goal difference. Manager Phil Parkinson, who reached his 250th game in charge in January 2026, has been lauded by the owners, with Rob McElhenney stating Parkinson has the 'job for life'. Off the pitch, the club is undergoing a significant redevelopment of its Kop Stand at the Racecourse Ground, with construction commencing in December 2025 and projected for completion in early 2027, which will increase the stadium's capacity to approximately 18,000. The club has also announced a pre-season tour of the United States in July 2026, playing against high-profile teams like Liverpool and Leeds United. Wrexham's journey continues to capture global attention, with aspirations of reaching the Premier League.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Wrexham Association Football Club made different choices?