Wrexham AFC Makes Historic Return to EFL Championship

Wrexham Association Football Club (AFC) has achieved a historic milestone by securing promotion to the English Football League (EFL) Championship for the 2025–26 season. This marks the club's return to the second tier of English football for the first time since the 1981–82 season.

Founded in 1864, Wrexham AFC is the oldest football club in Wales and the third-oldest professional association football team in the world. The club has a storied history, including a record 23 Welsh Cup victories and notable "giant-killing" feats in cup competitions. Their home ground, the Racecourse Ground, is recognized as the world's oldest international stadium still hosting international games.

In November 2020, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired Wrexham AFC through their RR McReynolds Company LLC, completing the takeover in February 2021. Their ownership has significantly increased the club's global profile, partly due to the documentary series "Welcome to Wrexham," which chronicles the club's journey under their stewardship.

Phil Parkinson, appointed as manager in July 2021, has been instrumental in the club's recent successes. Under his leadership, Wrexham achieved three consecutive promotions, a first in the history of England's top five football divisions. Parkinson's experience and strategic acumen have been pivotal in navigating the challenges of ascending through the leagues.

Wrexham's ascent began with winning the National League in the 2022–23 season, followed by a second-place finish in EFL League Two in 2023–24, and culminating in their promotion from EFL League One in the 2024–25 season. Their 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic on April 26, 2025, secured their promotion to the EFL Championship.

The club's valuation has seen a remarkable increase since the takeover. Purchased for approximately £2 million ($2.5 million) in 2021, Wrexham's value has soared to around £150 million ($200 million) by 2025. This growth is attributed to on-field success, strategic marketing, and global exposure through the documentary series. Despite posting a £2.72 million loss in the previous year, the club's turnover reached £26.7 million, a record for a League Two side.

Wrexham's Championship campaign commenced on August 9, 2025, with an away match against Southampton. Despite an early lead from a 22nd-minute penalty by Josh Windass, Wrexham conceded two late goals, resulting in a 2-1 defeat. The match highlighted the competitive nature of the Championship and the challenges Wrexham will face in this tier.

The club's rapid ascent has galvanized the local community in Wrexham, fostering a renewed sense of pride and economic optimism. The global attention has also positioned Wrexham as a case study in leveraging celebrity ownership and media to transform a football club's fortunes. The success story has inspired discussions on the viability of similar models for other lower-league clubs.

Wrexham AFC's journey from the National League to the EFL Championship within three seasons is a testament to strategic leadership, community support, and the transformative power of media and celebrity influence in modern football. As the club embarks on this new chapter, the football world watches with keen interest to see how this remarkable story continues to unfold.