In a stunning new venture that’s making waves across the sports world, the star-powered ownership group behind Welsh soccer club Wrexham AFC has set its sights on an exciting acquisition in South America. Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, along with actress Eva Longoria and MLB ace Justin Verlander, are among the high-profile investors who have joined forces to purchase a controlling stake in Colombian top-flight team La Equidad.
A Global Vision Takes Shape
The blockbuster deal, spearheaded by real estate mogul Al Tylis and sports executive Sam Porter, marks a bold new chapter in the ongoing saga of celebrity sports ownership. Tylis and Porter, who hold key roles with Mexican club Necaxa and MLS side D.C. United, have assembled a formidable team of investors with a shared vision of elevating La Equidad to new heights on the global stage.
For Reynolds and McElhenney, the acquisition represents a natural extension of their ambitions in the world of soccer. The dynamic duo’s takeover of Wrexham in 2021 captured the hearts and minds of fans worldwide, as they embarked on a thrilling journey to revive the fortunes of the historic Welsh club. Now, with two consecutive promotions under their belt and Wrexham firmly in the hunt for a third, the intrepid owners are ready to expand their empire to the vibrant landscape of Colombian football.
“We welcome Al Tylis and Sam Porter, who arrive with a clear, long-term vision to continue strengthening our club. This is the first step towards a future full of opportunities.”
– La Equidad official statement
Star Power Fuels Ambition
The star-studded investor group brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the table. Eva Longoria, a celebrated actress and activist, adds her own brand of glamour and business acumen to the mix. MLB superstar Justin Verlander and his wife, model Kate Upton, bring the perspective of elite athletes to the boardroom. Also on board are former NBA standout Shawn Marion and renowned entrepreneur Scott Galloway, rounding out a team that’s as diverse as it is influential.
For La Equidad, the injection of star power and financial muscle comes at an opportune moment. Founded in 1982, the Bogota-based club has long been a fixture in Colombian football, but has yet to claim the ultimate prize of a league championship. With a modest 10,000-seat stadium and a 13th-place finish in the 20-team league last season, La Equidad is poised for a major leap forward under its new ownership regime.
A Blueprint for Success
As they embark on this new challenge, Reynolds, McElhenney, and their all-star team will no doubt draw on the lessons learned from their transformative tenure at Wrexham. From innovative marketing campaigns to savvy player acquisitions, the duo has demonstrated a knack for galvanizing a fan base and building a winning culture from the ground up.
- Engage fans through compelling storytelling and behind-the-scenes access
- Invest in infrastructure and player development to build sustainable success
- Leverage star power to attract sponsors and grow the club’s global brand
Of course, navigating the complex landscape of Colombian football will present its own unique set of challenges. But with their track record of success and an ownership group that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood and sports royalty, La Equidad appears poised to make a splash both on and off the pitch.
The Road Ahead
As the dust settles on this groundbreaking acquisition, all eyes will be on Bogota to see how the La Equidad story unfolds. Will Reynolds and McElhenney work their magic once again, transforming an underdog club into a powerhouse contender? Will the star-powered ownership group’s influence extend beyond the pitch, making La Equidad a cultural phenomenon in the mold of Wrexham?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: with a constellation of stars aligning behind La Equidad, the future looks bright for this ambitious Colombian club. As they embark on a new era of glory, the football world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the next chapter in the Reynolds-McElhenney sporting saga.
