In an exciting new chapter for Hollywood moguls Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the duo has added a third football club to their growing portfolio, this time expanding into Colombia with the acquisition of Club Deportivo La Equidad. This move follows their overwhelming success with Wrexham AFC and their involvement in Mexico’s Club Necaxa, further solidifying their presence in the global football scene.
Here's ads banner inside a post
La Equidad, a club based in Bogotá, Colombia, is the latest acquisition for the pair, marking a significant milestone in their football investment strategy. The deal is part of a broader investment consortium that includes actress Eva Longoria, real estate mogul Al Tylis, Mexican football executive Sam Porter, and Major League Baseball pitcher Justin Verlander, alongside his wife, model Kate Upton. Together, they have acquired over 99% of La Equidad, a move valued at over $30 million (£24.5 million). This transaction places the Colombian club firmly under the stewardship of some of the most high-profile names in entertainment and sports.
A New Football Frontier: The Acquisition of La Equidad
Club Deportivo La Equidad is an established team in Colombia’s top-flight football league, based in the country’s bustling capital, Bogotá. The club’s home stadium, the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, has a capacity of 10,000 spectators, and La Equidad has traditionally been a mid-table club in the Colombian league. In 2024, the club finished 13th out of 20 teams in the league, a position they will surely look to improve upon with the new ownership group’s ambitions.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Speaking about the acquisition, Sam Porter, one of the executives behind the deal, shared his excitement about the future of the club. “This is an incredible opportunity to enhance the club’s growth in every aspect and to become an integral part of Colombian football,” said Porter. “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.”
This acquisition represents a bold move for Reynolds and McElhenney, who have made a name for themselves as more than just Hollywood stars, but also as savvy investors and passionate football club owners. Their involvement in La Equidad further reflects their long-term vision of transforming football clubs and enhancing the fan experience, both on and off the pitch.
Here's ads banner inside a post
The Growing Football Portfolio of Reynolds and McElhenney
The purchase of La Equidad marks another step in the dynamic duo’s ambitious football investment strategy. Reynolds and McElhenney first captured the world’s attention in 2021 when they acquired Wrexham AFC, a struggling club in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. Their involvement in Wrexham was a game-changer, as they not only invested financially but also used their star power to bring attention to the club. The duo’s ability to combine business acumen with their natural charisma allowed them to revitalize Wrexham, both on the field and in the public eye.
Their efforts with Wrexham have yielded impressive results. In just two years, the club achieved back-to-back promotions, moving up from the National League to League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The team’s rapid rise has been an extraordinary success story, capturing the imagination of football fans worldwide, and it has made the club a beacon of hope for smaller teams striving for success.
Alongside their Wrexham ownership, Reynolds and McElhenney also hold a minority stake in Club Necaxa, a Mexican football club. This acquisition was a strategic move that further solidified their presence in the global football market. Their relationship with Necaxa began in 2021 when the Tylis-Porter consortium purchased a 50% stake in the club, with Reynolds and McElhenney joining the investment group in 2023. This partnership allowed the consortium to secure a reciprocal stake in Wrexham, strengthening the ties between the two clubs.
Their increasing influence in football has caught the attention of fans and industry insiders alike, and they have capitalized on this momentum by using their media connections to create compelling content. Following in the footsteps of their successful documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, which aired on FX and Disney+, the duo is now working on a similar project focused on Necaxa. This new docu-series, Bienvenido a Necaxa, will give fans an inside look at the Mexican club’s operations and feature Reynolds and McElhenney as executive producers and on-air stars. It has already been confirmed that the series will be available on FX and Disney+ Latin America.
As for La Equidad, it remains to be seen if a similar documentary will be created around the Colombian club. Given that Reynolds, McElhenney, and Longoria all own their own production companies, there is a strong possibility that the acquisition could be turned into another documentary-style project. This could help increase visibility for La Equidad and provide a behind-the-scenes look at their journey to improve the club.
A Vision for Global Football Impact
While Reynolds and McElhenney have shown an undeniable passion for football, their influence extends far beyond the pitch. Their involvement in the business side of the clubs they own has been key to their success. Their work with Wrexham, for example, has been not just about on-field success but also about creating a sustainable, forward-thinking model for the club’s operations. Their strategy has included improving infrastructure, enhancing fan engagement, and driving commercial growth—efforts that have led to greater financial stability and a surge in popularity for the Welsh club.
As for La Equidad, it is clear that the duo’s plans will focus on more than just improving the team’s standing in the league. The club will likely benefit from significant investment in its facilities, youth development programs, and overall commercial strategy. With the backing of a strong consortium that includes influential investors from a variety of industries, La Equidad is poised to embark on a new chapter that could reshape Colombian football.
In addition to the focus on improving the footballing side of the clubs, Reynolds and McElhenney have made it clear that their involvement in the sport is about fostering a sense of community and connection with fans. Their ownership of Wrexham has sparked a renewed sense of pride among the club’s supporters, and it is expected that they will bring the same energy and dedication to La Equidad.
La Equidad’s Potential in Colombian Football
While La Equidad has been a mid-tier team in Colombia, their new ownership could provide the resources and expertise needed to help them rise through the ranks of South American football. Colombia’s top-tier league, Liga BetPlay, is known for its competitive nature, with clubs like Atlético Nacional, Millonarios, and América de Cali often dominating the standings. However, with the backing of Reynolds, McElhenney, and their consortium, La Equidad could soon become a formidable contender.
In terms of infrastructure, La Equidad’s Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, though smaller in comparison to some of Colombia’s more famous stadiums, could see significant upgrades under the new ownership. This would not only improve the matchday experience for fans but could also create additional revenue streams through events, concerts, and other commercial ventures. The focus on enhancing the fan experience could turn La Equidad into one of the most beloved clubs in Colombian football.
The Future of Reynolds and McElhenney’s Football Legacy
As Reynolds and McElhenney continue to expand their football empire, the impact of their investments will be felt not only in the clubs they own but across the wider football world. Their ability to bring attention to clubs like Wrexham and Necaxa has already proven transformative, and there is little doubt that La Equidad will be the next beneficiary of their vision.
Their ownership model—focused on growth, community engagement, and leveraging their celebrity status to generate global interest—could become a blueprint for how sports clubs are managed in the modern era. As Reynolds and McElhenney’s football portfolio continues to grow, it will be fascinating to see how they influence the global game and if their success can be replicated in other leagues around the world.
For now, the duo’s journey is far from over. With Wrexham climbing the ranks in English football, Necaxa making strides in Mexico, and La Equidad now joining the fold, it’s clear that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are here to stay in the football world—ready to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
