In a striking illustration of how Hollywood’s influence can transform a club, Wrexham AFC recently reported a record turnover of £26.7 million, showcasing the significant financial impact of their rise back into League football.

Recently traveling to face Exeter City, a club celebrated for its strong commitment to fan ownership and prudent financial management, Wrexham’s journey embodies a new narrative for both clubs. Exeter’s long-standing dedication to self-sustainability stands in contrast to the sudden influx of funding into Wrexham following the acquisition by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Exeter City: A Model of Fan Management

Having successfully navigated the tumultuous waters of financial instability, Exeter City has remained fan-owned for 21 seasons—a commitment that has proved vital during challenging times. After spending five years in the National League from 2003 to 2008, the club is now considered one of the most effectively run teams in the English Football League (EFL).

Phil Parkinson, Wrexham’s manager, expressed admiration for Exeter’s management style, stating, “This is a good club and it’s total respect over the job they’ve done. I love their story with the fan-owned situation and how, like ourselves, this club has had tough times but kept themselves going.”

Wrexham’s Financial Ascendancy Post-Acquisition

While Wrexham has never played above the second tier in its history, the financial revelations this week highlight a dramatic shift since the Hollywood takeover. Their impressive turnover, generated by increased sponsorship and matchday revenues, positions them among the financially robust clubs within League One.

• Wrexham’s turnover: £26.7 million
• Portsmouth’s turnover: £13.6 million
• Derby’s turnover: £19.4 million

In comparison, Exeter’s total revenue for the 2022-23 season was £5.8 million, illustrating the varying scales of operation within these clubs.

Financial Strategies: Selling Talent for Sustainable Growth

Exeter has notably thrived on nurturing young talent, a strategy that has proven profitable. High-profile sales including Ollie Watkins and Ethan Ampadu have bolstered their finances, enabling future investments in club development.

Recently, Ampadu’s transfer to Leeds United and Jay Stansfield’s move to Birmingham City generated substantial financial returns. Such strategies reflect the necessity of generating income through player development in a fan-owned model.

A New Chapter for Wrexham

After years of being managed by a supporters’ trust that brought the club back from the brink of financial collapse, Wrexham’s recent financial surge allows for ambitious goals. Although the club reported a loss of £2.7 million in 2023-24, advocates of the club can take solace in its improved financial health compared to the past.

Wrexham’s ambitious £11 million wage bill for the current season is further enhanced by sustainable revenue streams, positioning them uniquely within the competition.

Future Visions: Sustaining Success

With their newfound financial strength, Wrexham’s ambitions are expansive. The ability to retain emerging talents like Max Cleworth and Arthur Okonkwo ensures they are not reliant on player sales as a primary income source, unlike many of their league contemporaries.

As both clubs continue their journey—Wrexham aiming for upward mobility and Exeter upholding its values of prudency and community support—their respective paths highlight different approaches within the football ecosystem.