• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 29, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Can ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ Spin-Off on Mexican Team Necaxa Be As Big a Hit?

Necaxa owner Sam Porter touts the star power of investors Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Eva Longoria.

Jun 7, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Eva Longoria throws the first pitch prior to the game between the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals at Globe Life Field.
Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Eva Longoria are aiming for another sports docuseries hit—this time about a century-old soccer club in Mexico.

Reynolds and McElhenney have made Wrexham AFC a hit on television with Welcome to Wrexham (just renewed for a fifth season) and on the pitch, where the team has been promoted three seasons in a row. But it is less widely known that Reynolds, McElhenney, and Longoria are all investors in Club Necaxa, an Aguascalientes, Mexico–based team that plays in Liga MX, the top tier of Mexican soccer. 

The upcoming series about Necaxa developed by FX and Disney+ was originally called Bienvenidos a Necaxa, but it has been slimmed to Nexaca, according to a Wednesday announcement from FX. 

Necaxa co-owner Sam Porter believes the show can be a hit because of how involved Reynolds, McElhenney, and Longoria are, he told Front Office Sports on a recent episode of Portfolio Players.

“They were already in Wrexham before they joined us, so they knew what the football investment space looked like,” Porter said. “Not all celebrity investors are gonna be the same. These guys do like to get involved.”

Longoria in particular does a ton of work in front of—and behind—the camera. For example, Longoria interviewed coaching candidates. 

Docuseries like Welcome to Wrexham and Necaxa get a team in front of new fans but also deepen the connection with existing fans. “It’s a direct pipeline to their eyeballs,” Porter said.

Club Necaxa was founded in 1923. When FX first announced the show last July, it said the series would follow the team “as they strive to reclaim their place as one of Mexico’s top teams.” Now FX is saying the show will chronicle “a turbulent and transformational era at the storied Mexican football club and the steadfast supporters who never give up hope.”

Wrexham, meanwhile, is now just one level away from the Premier League. Reynolds and McElhenney bought the club for $2.5 million just four years ago when it was struggling financially, and, in 2024 generated $35.6 million in revenue, up 155% from the year before.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

United

Manchester United Knocked Out of Cup by Team With $2.6 Million Payroll

United’s team payroll is almost 100 times larger than Grimsby’s.

Fox, YouTube TV Avoid Blackout With Short-Term Deal

The upcoming Texas–Ohio State clash will remain available to subscribers.
ESPN

Disney Sues Sling TV Over $5 Day Passes Granting ESPN Access

Newly introduced short-term subscriptions spark a legal challenge.
Inter Miami bench

Inter Miami Post-Red Card Phone Coaching May Have Been Legal

Javier Mascherano appeared to continue coaching through a call from the stands.

Featured Today

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
Puma headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany

Puma Up for Grabs As Largest Shareholder Considers Exit

Reports say the company could be up for sale. Experts aren’t surprised.
Donald Trump Jr
August 26, 2025

Kalshi Advisor Donald Trump Jr. Joins Rival Polymarket Board

Polymarket appears to be on the verge of returning to the U.S.
Mark Cuban
August 27, 2025

Mark Cuban Wishes He Had Put Mavs on Open Market

Cuban also thinks private equity has shifted the NBA’s priorities. 
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
Veronica Burton
August 26, 2025

Dildo Markets, Diaper Bidens: Polymarket, Kalshi Push Limits of Hawking Prediction Markets

The companies don’t face the same regulatory risk as traditional sportsbooks.
Mo Vaughn
August 22, 2025

How Michael Bloomberg Jump-Started Mo Vaughn’s Business Career

The Red Sox legend had a sprawling housing empire before starting a podcast.
Apr 13, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) and center Sidney Crosby (87) and center Evgeni Malkin (71) talk before a face-off against the Boston Bruins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena.
August 19, 2025

Fenway Sports Weighs Penguins Options Amid ‘Serious’ Suitor

FSG previously said it was exploring the sale of a minority stake.
Dundon
August 13, 2025

Hurricanes Owner Tom Dundon Has Deal to Buy Trail Blazers

The team was put up for sale in May.