Hollywood Stars Bring Wrexham Spirit to Necaxa in Mexico

A new chapter in sports ownership is unfolding as Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, and Eva Longoria bring their unique flair to Necaxa, a historic football club in Mexico. This follows their successful tenure with Wrexham, which has seen a remarkable resurgence in the English Football League. The trio’s involvement promises to infuse the Mexican club with the same vibrant energy that captivated fans in Wales.

McElhenney, co-owner of Wrexham, shared his enthusiasm with ESPN, stating, “It’s so unbelievably, incredibly exciting and passionate and very different from English football.” He emphasized the contrasting cultural experiences: “English football feels more like a fight, while a Mexican football game feels like a dance.” This fresh perspective sets the stage for a new narrative in Liga MX, where the stakes are high, and the competition intense.

In 2024, McElhenney and Reynolds acquired a stake in Necaxa, a club with over a century of history but lacking a league title for nearly 30 years. The club’s struggles underscore the challenge ahead, as it has often found itself overshadowed by wealthier rivals in Mexican football. Despite consistent playoff appearances, Necaxa has yet to reclaim its former glory as a title contender.

Longoria, who joined the investment group in 2021, expressed her initial unfamiliarity with Liga MX. “I was blown away by the enormity of the league,” she said. With a significant fan base in both Mexico and the United States, Liga MX is considered a powerhouse that could rival any major sports league in North America. Longoria and her partners acquired a 50% ownership stake in Necaxa through NX Football USA LLC, a group that includes several high-profile investors.

The choice of Necaxa was strategic. Sam Porter, co-managing partner and owner, highlighted the club’s rich history and the potential for growth. “Aguascalientes is a really nice city, with a lot of strong international businesses,” he noted. The partnership with the Tinajero family, who have deep roots in Mexican football, adds valuable expertise to the venture.

Porter believes Liga MX is currently undervalued, describing it as “probably the least explored, biggest opportunity in global sports.” Despite the excitement surrounding the investment, immediate success on the field is not guaranteed. Between 2021 and 2023, Necaxa qualified for the playoffs twice but faced early exits each time. Longoria remarked on the media’s portrayal of the team, stating, “Even when we win a game against Club América or Cruz Azul, the headline is ‘Cruz Azul lost.'”

The Hollywood trio aims to shift perceptions and elevate the club’s profile, enlisting the help of McElhenney and Reynolds to create a narrative that resonates with fans. Their plan mirrors their approach with Wrexham, focusing on collaboration and storytelling while allowing experts to manage football operations.

McElhenney emphasized the importance of humility in ownership. “The worst thing you could do is walk into a situation and say, ‘I know what I’m doing now,’” he said. This approach fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, allowing the football professionals to run the team while the owners focus on enhancing the club’s visibility.

Porter sees the involvement of McElhenney and Reynolds, along with the accompanying docuseries, as critical to unlocking Necaxa’s potential. He noted that their efforts are aimed at shining a light on the club and its community, which could help retain key talent instead of losing them to bigger clubs. “It’s always a challenge for us to keep them,” Porter pointed out, referencing talented players’ tendencies to seek opportunities with more prominent teams.

Despite a promising fifth-place finish in the last spring season, Necaxa’s current performance in the Apertura has been inconsistent, with a record of 1 win, 2 draws, and 3 losses. As the club navigates its path forward, the prospect of cross-pollination with Wrexham players remains open, contingent on finding the right fit at the right time.

The landscape of Liga MX is also shifting, with an anticipated league-wide television rights deal set for 2028. McElhenney noted that Liga MX is currently “the biggest football league in the world that does not have a centralized media rights deal,” which could further enhance visibility and investment opportunities.

Longoria’s commitment to Necaxa extends beyond business. As a Mexican-American, she is passionate about representing her heritage positively. Living in Mexico City with her family, she aims to bridge cultural gaps and uplift Mexican narratives through her work with the club. “I always knew I was going to do a docuseries when I first invested in the team,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of telling their stories.

As McElhenney immerses himself in the local culture, he is also working on improving his Spanish. “Sí, hablo español un poco,” he shared, demonstrating his commitment to embracing his new role as a co-owner in Mexico.

The unfolding saga of Necaxa, marked by Hollywood intrigue and the ambition to revive a storied club, promises to be as compelling as any telenovela. As these celebrity owners work to reshape the narrative of Mexican football, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as they embark on this exciting journey.