Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham AFC secured a historic promotion to the Championship on Saturday. The Welsh club defeated Charlton Athletic 3-0, with goals from Ollie Rathbone and a brace from Sam Smith. This marks Wrexham’s third successive promotion under the ownership of the Hollywood stars.
From the brink of extinction, to the second-tier of English football.
You deserve this moment, Reds. Enjoy every minute of the celebrations 🫡
🔴⚪ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/CgFwpEGgZf
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) April 26, 2025
The fourth official has signalled for three minutes added time.
90' | Wrexham AFC 3-0 Charlton Athletic
🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) April 26, 2025
The journey began when Humphrey Ker, a writer on the comedy series Mythic Quest, became friends with the show’s co-creator Rob McElhenney. During the pandemic, McElhenney tasked Ker with finding potential football clubs to invest in. A chance encounter on Instagram between McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds led to a partnership, and they eventually acquired Wrexham.
Under manager Phil Parkinson, appointed just five months after the takeover, Wrexham have been unstoppable. They clinched the National League title with a record 111 points, ending a 15-year absence from the Football League.
Wrexham secure third consecutive promotion
Wrexham are the first side in history to win three successive promotions in the top five tiers of English football.
◉ 22/23: Promoted to League Two
◉ 23/24: Promoted to League One
◉ 24/25: Promoted to the ChampionshipNot even Rob and Ryan could have come up with this… pic.twitter.com/MxAta6PO8O
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 26, 2025
Back-to-back promotions followed, with the team finishing runners-up in League Two and securing automatic promotion from League One this season. Parkinson’s record is remarkable, with a win rate just shy of 62% in his 181 league games in charge. Wrexham have scored 361 league goals during this period, averaging 2.08 points per game.
The ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary has also played a significant role in the club’s rise to global prominence, winning several awards and improving revenue streams. As Wrexham prepare for their first season in the second tier since 1981-82, plans are underway to expand the squad and improve facilities. The club’s revenue of £26.7m during their League Two season places them just below the top Championship sides in terms of income.
With increased TV and sponsorship revenue expected, Wrexham is well-placed to tackle the challenges ahead. The club’s mission statement reflects the ambitions of McElhenney and Reynolds: “Our goal is to grow the team, establish Wrexham AFC as a Premier League club, in front of increased attendances at an improved stadium while making a positive difference to the wider community in Wrexham.” With strong alignment from top to bottom, Wrexham are in a solid position to achieve their ultimate goal of reaching the Premier League.
