Glamorgan CEO Dan Cherry has confirmed discussions with Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny about a potential investment in Welsh Fire, the cricket franchise competing in the Hundred.
Glamorgan’s chief executive Dan Cherry has confirmed that contact has been made with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny regarding the possibility of the Hollywood actors investing in the Welsh Fire, the Cardiff-based cricket team in the Hundred. Reynolds and McElhenny, co-owners of Wrexham AFC, have been widely praised for their successful ownership of the football club, which has experienced two consecutive promotions.
Cherry told ESPNcricinfo that while contact has been made, discussions have not yet progressed significantly. “There’s not been anything substantial come back yet, but we’re in the process,” Cherry said, adding that the club is evaluating all potential bids. He described the possibility of Reynolds and McElhenny’s involvement as “an exciting proposition.”
The process for securing private investment in the Hundred began earlier this month, with Raine, an American investment bank, distributing prospectuses to interested parties. Cherry emphasized the potential appeal of the Welsh Fire’s relatively low valuation, estimated at around £30 million, particularly in comparison to higher-valued franchises in London.
Cherry stressed that Glamorgan is committed to maintaining control of the team, retaining a 51% stake. “We want to find the right partner, the right investor that’s going to improve what we do and support us along the journey – not take over,” he said.
The ECB’s director of business operations, Vikram Banerjee, confirmed there has been “phenomenal” interest in the Hundred, from both private equity firms and IPL franchises.
