England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has invested close to £1m in Birmingham Phoenix, a cricket franchise owned by Knighthead Capital Management. The deal, confirmed Wednesday, gives Bellingham a 1.2% stake in the Edgbaston-based Hundred team. Knighthead, which acquired a 49% share for £40m last year, now shares ownership with Warwickshire County Cricket Club (50.4%) after Bellingham took 0.6% from each party.

The move aligns with Bellingham’s passion for cricket, having played junior matches for Hagley Cricket Club in Worcestershire.