SHOCK EXIT: Ryan Reynolds Set to Sell Wrexham AFC Amid Alleged Fallout Over Hollywood Studio Deal
By Emily Trent | April 29, 2025
In a stunning turn of events that has sent ripples through both the football and entertainment worlds, Ryan Reynolds is reportedly preparing to sell his stake in Wrexham AFC, the beloved Welsh football club he co-owns with fellow actor Rob McElhenney. The move comes amid whispers of a growing rift between the two friends, allegedly sparked by a failed Hollywood studio partnership that has thrown their joint ventures into turmoil.
Sources close to the matter revealed exclusively to *The Chronicle* that Reynolds has instructed his legal team to begin the process of divestment, marking a potential end to one of the most unexpected—and heartwarming—sports stories in recent memory.
**A Fairytale With a Hollywood Script**
Reynolds and McElhenney bought Wrexham AFC in 2020, taking over the then-National League side with a mix of earnest fandom, business acumen, and star-powered charisma. Their journey—captured in the Emmy-nominated docuseries *Welcome to Wrexham*—transformed the struggling club into an international sensation. Under their stewardship, Wrexham climbed back into the English Football League after a 15-year absence, filling stadiums and hearts on both sides of the Atlantic.
But according to insiders, the magic may be fading.
“Things have been tense between Ryan and Rob for months,” said a source who worked closely with the club’s media team. “The camaraderie they had during the early seasons of *Welcome to Wrexham* has taken a hit—especially since the fallout from the Maximum Effort Studios deal.”
**The Hollywood Deal That Changed Everything**
In early 2024, the pair announced they were in advanced talks to co-found a new entertainment studio, tentatively titled “Dragon’s Gate,” designed to produce both sports-related and original scripted content. The studio would be based in Cardiff and Los Angeles, bridging their two worlds. But the project collapsed in late December after a disagreement over intellectual property rights, according to documents reviewed by *The Chronicle*.
Reynolds, known for his branding savvy and major advertising deals through Maximum Effort, reportedly clashed with McElhenney’s vision for a more locally focused, community-funded approach. “Ryan saw Dragon’s Gate as a content powerhouse; Rob wanted it to be a creative incubator,” said an executive familiar with the negotiations.
When discussions soured, production timelines for Season 4 of *Welcome to Wrexham* were delayed, and both parties began appearing less frequently together in public and press events.
**A Silent Rift Becomes Louder**
Though the two actors have made no public statements confirming any conflict, fans began speculating about tension when McElhenney attended the January FA Cup clash against Brighton solo, while Reynolds was spotted at a Los Angeles Kings NHL game.
“It was odd,” said lifelong Wrexham fan Siân Llewellyn. “They always used to be side by side. You started to wonder if something was up.”
Adding to the speculation, Reynolds was noticeably absent from the club’s recent unveiling of a new youth academy expansion—an initiative he had long championed. In contrast, McElhenney delivered a heartfelt speech praising the club’s “tight-knit values” and the importance of “showing up for your community.”
**What’s Next for Wrexham?**
Although the potential sale is still in its early stages, financial analysts speculate that Reynolds’ share—reportedly valued at over ÂŁ15 million—has attracted attention from several interested buyers, including a private equity firm based in Dubai and a media entrepreneur with ties to the Premier League.
Wrexham’s CEO, Fleur Robinson, released a short statement Monday morning, neither confirming nor denying the reports: “The club continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of our leadership team, staff, players, and fans. We remain focused on the remainder of the season and the club’s long-term stability.”
Behind closed doors, however, staff are said to be bracing for transition.
“There’s a lot of love for Ryan here,” said a club staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity. “He brought the world’s attention to Wrexham. If he walks away, it’s going to hurt—but we’ll carry on. That’s what this town does.”
**Rob’s Next Move**
As for McElhenney, insiders say he has no intention of stepping away. In fact, some suggest he may even buy out Reynolds’ share, using backing from Welsh investors and a rumored BBC partnership to maintain majority control.
“He’s emotionally invested,” said one source. “This isn’t a vanity project for Rob. He’s in this for the long haul.”
Others speculate McElhenney may shift focus toward developing more local projects under the *Welcome to Wrexham* banner, with spin-offs potentially showcasing the women’s team, the local economy, and behind-the-scenes stories from the town.
**Fan Reactions: Shock, Support, and a Dash of Skepticism**
Reactions from Wrexham supporters have ranged from stunned disbelief to unwavering gratitude. Social media lit up Monday morning with messages like “Say it ain’t so, Ryan!” and “Thank you for believing in us when no one else did.”
Others were more pragmatic.
“Football is a business, even when it’s dressed up in Hollywood,” said Owen Griffiths, a supporter from Rhosllanerchrugog. “If he leaves, I’ll be sad—but Rob’s still here, and the team’s stronger than ever. That’s what matters.”
The official Wrexham Supporters Trust has called for transparency and a meeting with club leadership to clarify the club’s future ownership.
**The End of an Era—or Just a New Chapter?**
Whether this marks the final curtain call for Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham story or merely a temporary break remains to be seen. For now, fans wait—and hope—for a final word from the man who helped turn a modest Welsh football club into a global phenomenon.
And while Hollywood endings are often scripted, this one is still being written.
Would you like a follow-up piece from McElhenney’s perspective or reactions from players and staff?