Wrexham’s Hollywood Rise: From National League Obscurity to the Championship Dream

When Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney announced in late 2020 that they were taking over Wrexham AFC, a historic Welsh football club languishing in the fifth tier of English football, many were skeptical. Could two Hollywood actors—with no previous experience in sports ownership—really revive a club that had spent over a decade outside the Football League?

Four seasons later, not only has Wrexham’s story captured global attention, but it now stands as one of the most inspiring football fairytales of the decade. And in the 2025–26 season, that fairytale will add a new chapter: Wrexham AFC in the EFL Championship.

The Beginning: A Bold Takeover

In February 2021, the Reynolds-McElhenney era officially began. The duo quickly won over the fans, not just with their charm and charisma, but with serious investment and a clear long-term vision. Their stated goals were bold: restore Wrexham to the Football League, upgrade infrastructure, and bring pride back to a town that had stood by its club through thick and thin.

Behind the scenes, the arrival of executive director Humphrey Ker, manager Phil Parkinson, and strategic hires at every level signaled that the new owners were not here for a vanity project.

2021–22: Building Foundations

Wrexham's first full season under the new ownership saw a significant transformation. Key signings like Paul Mullin—who dropped down from League One to join the project—showed the club’s growing ambition. The team finished second in the National League but heartbreakingly lost in the play-off semi-finals. Despite the disappointment, momentum was building, and the fanbase felt something special was underway.

2022–23: The Long-Awaited Promotion

In a record-breaking 2022–23 campaign, Wrexham battled neck-and-neck with Notts County in one of the most competitive National League seasons ever. Both clubs smashed points records, but it was Wrexham who triumphed, clinching the title and earning automatic promotion to League Two. The emotional scenes at the Racecourse Ground following their 3–1 win over Boreham Wood became iconic, watched by millions around the world thanks to the popularity of the FX documentary series Welcome to Wrexham.

2023–24: Back in the Football League

In their return to the Football League after a 15-year absence, Wrexham faced new challenges—but continued to rise. With a mix of experienced signings and loyal stars from their National League days, they secured back-to-back promotions, finishing second in League Two. Phil Parkinson's pragmatic approach and the club’s growing infrastructure made them a real force.

The documentary’s continued success also brought in commercial revenue, brand deals, and international fans, helping Wrexham build a modern football business while retaining its community roots.

2024–25: A Season of Consolidation

Now in League One, many expected Wrexham to stabilize. But the club had other plans. Strengthened by smart signings, passionate home support, and the tireless work of a committed backroom staff, Wrexham once again challenged at the top. After a nail-biting campaign, they secured a play-off spot and, in dramatic fashion, won the final at Wembley to earn promotion to the EFL Championship for the 2025–26 season.

The Championship Awaits

Wrexham’s rise has been nothing short of miraculous. In just four seasons, the club has climbed from the National League to the brink of top-flight football, all while staying true to its identity.

With the Championship on the horizon, Wrexham AFC is no longer just a feel-good story—it’s a serious footballing force with ambition, vision, and the unshakable support of a town, a global fanbase, and two unlikely yet deeply devoted owners.

As Reynolds once joked, “We’re not here to play around.” And now, neither is Wrexham.