Rob McElhenney explains why he & Ryan Reynolds aren’t on ‘cash grab’ at Wrexham – with Hollywood superstars looking to help soccer grow in the United States

The two Hollywood superstars embraced a surprising sporting venture at SToK Racecourse when completing a stunning takeover in 2021. They have overseen a meteoric rise for Wrexham, which has been aided by an award-winning documentary series.

While considerable success has been enjoyed on the field, McElhenney and Reynolds have branched out into the wider Wrexham community. Funding has been pumped into the local area, as fans from all over the world descend on North Wales, while a takeover of the 142-year-old Wrexham Lager brewery forms part of one of their latest projects.

They are now looking to promote that brand Stateside, but McElhenney insists that the Red Dragons will never be used as a money-making machine. The ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ actor has told the Sports Business Journal: “We like the idea of a flywheel where each investment is something we really support and enjoy, and it’s not just a cash grab. Anytime we look at a new investment or new opportunity, it’s only because we believe in it.”

Wrexham Lager was flowing when McElhenney joined fans to watch Phil Parkinson’s side in action against Barnsley on the giant immersive screen at Cosm LA. That occasion further highlights how far the Red Dragons have come, with the plan being to help America fully embrace soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

McElhenney added: “I don’t know how many League One games were watched in the United States prior to 2022 or 2021, but I can surmise it’s probably not as many as are being watched right now. We love the idea of being a part of growing the entire sport here in the U.S., especially as the Olympics are coming, and the World Cup. It just feels like a great opportunity to spread the word and to evangelize for football.”

Reynolds and McElhenney have been doing a good job of spreading the soccer word, as Wrexham’s fanbase continues to grow, and a fourth series of their popular documentary is in the pipeline as Parkinson pieces together another promotion push in League One.