Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds spent a significant amount on Wrexham AFC, driven by a desire to transform the Welsh soccer club into a major franchise. The duo famously acquired Wrexham AFC for $2.5 million in 2020, a move that quickly evolved into a multi-million dollar investment. As the team’s success – including three promotions in just three years – continued to grow, so too did McElhenney and Reynolds’ financial commitment. During the premiere of "Welcome to Wrexham" season 2 in September 2023, Reynolds humorously suggested selling one of his four children, James, Inez, Betty, and Olin, to raise the estimated $25.5 million needed for the team. This lightherearTed remark underscored the scale of their investment. Throughout the series, the financial realities of running Wrexham were frequently discussed. McElhenney quipped, "Let’s talk about how much money we’re losing," during an October 2023 episode, revealing that the team had incurred approximately $12 million in losses. Reynolds responded with a characteristic bluntness, stating, "I’m gonna go throw up." The duo explored potential revenue streams, primarily focusing on securing promotion, a goal repeatedly emphasized due to the team’s ongoing success. The expansion of Wrexham’s Racecourse stadium presented another substantial financial undertaking. Wrexham executive director Humphrey Ker shared that a request for government funding to build a new stand was denied, leading them to proceed with demolition and subsequent funding applications, which encountered regulatory hurdles. This resulted in a net loss of $456,458 with the construction of a temporary stadium.
The financial situation of Wrexham’s Women’s team also came under scrutiny. Initially, due to league rules, the women athletes were prohibited from receiving compensation. However, their inclusion in the Adran Premier League, a semiprofessional league, enabled them to earn salaries. The team’s overall value was revealed to be nearly $12 million, with a wage bill of $8.22 million. As the series progressed, McElhenney and Reynolds faced a critical decision: maintain a stable, albeit less ambitious, position in League One or aggressively pursue promotion to the Championship League. Ultimately, they opted for the latter, committing approximately $50 million with the goal of achieving promotion by the end of the 2025 season, a decision Reynolds described as "f***ing do it." This bold strategy reflected their unwavering belief in Wrexham's potential and their commitment to transforming the club into a truly competitive force.