Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and actresses Eva Longoria and Kate Upton are making headlines in the sports industry by acquiring the Colombian soccer team La Equidad following the successful revitalization of Wrexham A.F.C.
Al Tylis, a real estate investor and former DC United executive Sam Porter, facilitated the purchase of more than 99% of La Equidad’s shares for approximately $30 million. This acquisition represents the third soccer investment for Reynolds and McElhenney, adding to their stakes in Wrexham and a minority ownership in Mexico’s Club Necaxa.
La Equidad, established in Bogota, has competed in Colombia’s top league, Primera A, since 2007. The team’s home games are held at Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, which seats 10,000 fans. Despite finishing 13th in the 2024 season, the new ownership is optimistic about boosting the team’s performance and growth prospects.
The venture has attracted numerous celebrities, including former NBA player Shawn Marion and baseball star Justin Verlander. Although these celebrities may not engage in daily operations, their participation underscores the trend of celebrity investments in soccer clubs.
Reynolds and McElhenney are enthusiastic about their latest sports venture, driven by their achievements with Wrexham. Their investment has already led to significant improvements for Wrexham, earning them consecutive promotions and inspiring advancement to the Championship level. They aim to replicate this success with La Equidad to enhance the club’s standing in international soccer.
This new chapter in Reynolds and McElhenney’s soccer ownership saga, backed by a robust investor group and a strategic growth plan, heralds a promising future for the Bogota-based club.