Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are making waves in the world of football by expanding their portfolio with the acquisition of Colombian team, Club Deportivo Seguros La Equidad. This move comes as part of their broader strategy to invest in football clubs worldwide, following their successful venture with Wrexham AFC.
The Deadpool star and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor joined forces with a group led by Al Tylis and Sam Porter. Porter is an executive at Mexican team Club Necaxa, where Reynolds and McElhenney also hold minority ownership. The investment group includes other US celebrities such as Eva Longoria, Kate Upton, former Arsenal legend Mesut Özil, and ex-NBA All-Star Shawn Marion.
Longoria is reported to be an investor in La Equidad alongside Marion. With a total value of $30 million, the consortium purchased 99% ownership stake in La Equidad.
Ambitious goals for improvement
The new owners have set ambitious goals for the club which finished 13th last season in Categoría Primera A table - Colombia's top professional football league. They aim to significantly improve this performance under their stewardship.
Porter expressed optimism about the future prospects stating that "the achievement of Wrexham AFC’s promotion to the English third division will undoubtedly encourage Reynolds and McElhenney to invest in other football teams throughout the world."
Sam Porter, Executive at Club Necaxa, said:
“I am pleased to confirm that Al Tylis, our investment partners, and I have successfully acquired Club Deportivo La Equidad. This is an incredible opportunity to enhance the club’s growth in every aspect and to become an integral part of Colombian football. We are privileged to collaborate with an outstanding group of investors, including Eva Longoria, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Shawn Marion, who have been instrumental in our project at Club Necaxa in Mexico. Together, we are committed to elevating the Club to its highest potential.”
Replicating success in Colombia and Mexico
Reynolds' and McElhenney's success story with Wrexham AFC has been well-documented through their 'Welcome to Wrexham' docuseries which has garnered significant interest from both UK and US audiences. Their financial backing has propelled Wrexham towards another promotion up the English Football League (EFL), with the club currently sitting third in League One.
While it seems that Reynolds and McElhenney will have less control over La Equidad and Club Necaxa compared to their involvement with Wrexham, they are confident about replicating their success story in Wales across Colombia and Mexico. Plans for similar docuseries capturing their journey with these clubs are reportedly underway.
This new venture by Reynolds, McElhenney, and their star-studded investment group promises exciting times ahead for fans of Deportivo Seguros La Equidad. Their track record with Wrexham AFC suggests that they could bring significant improvements to the Colombian club's performance while also increasing its global visibility through potential docuseries.
