Wrexham Could Reach Premier League Next Year, Says Experts
Just two years after clinching the National League title, Wrexham, the Hollywood-owned football club, is eyeing the Premier League, driven by significant success under owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
With the club's recent 1-0 win against Wycombe Wanderers on March 15, 2025, courtesy of Sam Smith's 78th-minute goal, Wrexham has moved firmly to second place in League One. The victory marks the team's third consecutive promotion push, bringing them closer to their long-term goal of Premier League play. Currently, they trail leaders Birmingham City by 12 points, emphasizing the competitive climate as the season nears its conclusion.
If Wrexham retains their position or secures promotion, their next step would see them playing Championship football for the first time since 1982. This could lead to thrilling match-ups against top-tier teams such as Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United come July 19, 2026.
While dreams of rising to the Premier League seem within reach, some experts caution against the optimistic narrative surrounding the club. Stuart Webber, former head of youth development at Wrexham and prominent figure at Norwich City, weighed in with insights during his appearance on ESPN. He noted the steep competition and potential challenges Wrexham may face during their ascent.
The club's financial backing from Hollywood has undoubtedly contributed to its progress; Reynolds and McElhenney acquired Wrexham for just £2 million ($2.59 million) back in 2021, exposing the club to global audiences through the documentary series "Welcome to Wrexham." This partnership has rekindled interest among fans and secured additional funding, raising the club's commercial revenue to £10.5 million (£13.5 million) last financial year, with expectations of continued growth.
Wrexham fans are familiar with the exhilarating late-season pushes for promotion, having experienced the rollercoaster of emotions during past campaigns. Under manager Phil Parkinson, two successful promotions were secured during 2023 and 2024, solidifying their status within League One.
Despite previous victories, Webber pointedly reminded fans of the challenges the team will face should they secure promotion. He expressed, "The step-up to the Championship is huge, and I think what people have to realize about Wrexham, which has been an amazing story so far, is some of their players were with them in the National League.”
Webber's analysis indicated Wrexham can't rely solely on momentum from preceding victories to compete effectively at higher levels, especially considering teams like Ipswich Town, which spent significantly to achieve their advancement this season.
To highlight the financial aspect, Ipswich invested £8 million ($10.36 million) during their promotion season, underscoring the financial gaps present between clubs. Wrexham, on the other hand, has spent approximately £5 million ($6.48 million) since last season, with their record signing being Smith for £2 million ($2.6 million).
Adding to the team dynamics, Paul Mullin, once the star striker, now contends with changes—his goal tally has dwindled significantly compared to the stellar run during the previous seasons. With Mullin, along with other key players like Ollie Palmer and Elliot Lee, transitioning out of their starting roles, it’s becoming evident Wrexham requires fresh talent capable of Championship-level competition.
With the prospect of moving to the Championship next season, Wrexham still faces hurdles. Their training facilities and capacity are areas needing updates and improvements. The Stōk Cae Ras stadium, which currently accommodates 13,300 spectators, requires substantial upgrades to compete with other clubs’ facilities.
Webber reflected on the strong connection Reynolds and McElhenney have formed with the club, stating, "One thing I'd say about the owners is they have done everything they said they would do" which demonstrates their commitment unlike other franchises where enthusiasm wanes.
Discussing the appeal of Wrexham due to the Hollywood connection, he added, "If Wrexham are promoted, I hope the project gets the patience it needs and they don’t encounter harsh lessons as a Championship club." He believes the club has the unique potential to thrive but recognizes it will require thoughtful investment and strategic planning.
The narrative around Wrexham continues to evolve rapidly—while they embody the fairy-tale story of Hollywood involvement and community engagement, the pathway to the Premier League is fraught with challenges and contrasts with the realities of high-level football.
Olson, McElhenney's wife, described the community's warmth during her appearances to visit, highlighting how many have embraced the club and its owners. "We love it over there so much, it’s just so much fun and we’ve really fallen in love with the football club and with the town as well.”
With the end of the League One season approaching, Wrexham finds itself at the center of excitement and aspiration, but the road to success will demand not just hope but strategic foresight.
