Wrexham’s remarkable rise to the Championship has not only delighted fans but has also unlocked a substantial financial reward for the club’s high-profile owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. The Hollywood duo are set to pocket an estimated £8 million in additional television revenue following the Red Dragons’ promotion, secured with a game to spare.
The north Wales side maintained their superb nine-match unbeaten run with a commanding 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic on Saturday, while Wycombe Wanderers’ slim hopes of prolonging the promotion race were extinguished by a 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient.
Speaking to talkSPORT prior to Wrexham clinching their Championship berth, football finance expert Kieran Maguire shed light on the club’s impressive commercial success. “If we start with the money coming in, which is spectacular, Wrexham made three times as much money as any other club in League Two, more than any other club in League One, and they would actually be in the top half of the Championship,” he explained.
Maguire went on to highlight how Wrexham’s financial achievements compare with the Championship’s established names: “Therefore, they’re not that far behind the big hitters of the Championship, the likes of Stoke and Norwich and so on. It’s an incredible achievement in terms of bringing in the money and it’s their ability to become an international brand which has really driven this.
“I was teaching in Charlotte in Carolina last year, and the only football shirts I saw were those of Wrexham, which is an amazing achievement, and that’s on the back of the documentary. If they get promoted this year, that adds another £8million of TV money because they’ll be in the Championship TV deal. That would put them fairly close to all of the clubs, with the exception of those who are in receipt of parachute payments, in the Championship.”
Wrexham’s ascent has been nothing short of meteoric, securing three promotions in as many seasons. Having topped the National League in the 2022-23 campaign before finishing runners-up to Stockport County in League Two last season, the Red Dragons have continued their relentless climb.
Their latest promotion comes on the back of an even stronger showing, with 88 points already amassed – bettering their tally from last year. Even if they were to claim another victory and finish on 92 points, they would still fall short of Birmingham City, who have dominated the division this term.
In preparation for their latest push, Wrexham strengthened their squad over the summer with several strategic signings. Among those making a significant impact is Ollie Rathbone, who has played a crucial role during the season’s decisive stages. The former Manchester United academy graduate found the net in Wrexham’s recent win over Blackpool and made another vital contribution in the victory against Charlton.
Rathbone opened the scoring in the 15th minute at The Valley, before January signing Sam Smith doubled the advantage. Smith, who joined from Reading in a big-money move earlier this year, later added his second of the afternoon and Wrexham’s third, capping a dominant display.
All three of the club’s recent promotions have come under the guidance of manager Phil Parkinson, whose leadership has drawn high praise from the club’s ownership. “You can look at so many beating hearts at this club and it all starts with Phil,” said Reynolds in the aftermath of their latest triumph.
As Wrexham prepare for life in the Championship, the club’s fairy-tale story continues to captivate audiences worldwide — a remarkable journey fuelled by ambition, smart investment, and an unbreakable bond between club and community.
