SOCCER: Bellingham buys minority stakes in The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix

England international Jude Bellingham has officially acquired a minority stake in The Hundred franchise, Birmingham Phoenix. The news was confirmed on Wednesday by co-owners Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

Bellingham, who currently plays for Real Madrid, will hold a 1.2% stake in the franchise. His focus will primarily be on community engagement and supporting social projects. Warwickshire County Cricket Club will retain the majority stake with 50.4% shares, while Knighthead Capital Management holds 48.4%.

"I feel like I owe the city something," the 22-year-old said in a statement. "I was fortunate growing up, having the option of playing cricket and football, but some kids don’t have that opportunity. It’s important that if I can get involved in something like this to shine a light on an opportunity for kids, then even better."

The sixth season of The Hundred, which features the innovative 100-ball format, will take place from July 21 to August 16.

-Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters