The Welsh minister in charge of sports – Jack Sargeant – has defended giving £18m of public money to Wrexham AFC for the redevelopment of the Racecourse Ground’s new Kop Stand, even though the club is owned by two well-known Hollywood figures – Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.
Sargeant said the investment is fair and necessary because the project forms a key part of Wrexham’s wider regeneration plans. He explained that the redevelopment will support the local economy, create opportunities for residents and help the city grow in the long term.
Speaking on Politics Wales, Sargeant accepted that some people questioned the decision, but he stressed that the plans go far beyond football.
According to him, the new Kop is a major gateway project designed to modernise the area, improve local facilities and strengthen Wrexham’s identity as it continues to rise in profile.
Funding focused on community value rather than Wrexham owners
Sargeant said the funding reflects how quickly Wrexham is changing, both on and off the pitch.
He highlighted that improved stadium infrastructure, including a rebuilt Kop Stand, stronger floodlights and other upgrades, will help the city host bigger sporting events, welcome more visitors and boost business for local shops, hotels and restaurants.
Wrexham supported this view, saying the money from the Welsh Government and Wrexham County Borough Council fits into a much broader regeneration strategy. The club believes the upgraded ground will bring new jobs, increase footfall and deliver long-lasting benefits for the region.
The Kop redevelopment has been years in the making. The old terrace, once a central part of the Racecourse Ground’s atmosphere, has stood unused for more than a decade due to safety concerns.
Several attempts to rebuild it previously stalled because of funding gaps and planning challenges. The new stand is expected to restore a key piece of the stadium’s history while raising capacity and allowing Wrexham to meet requirements for international fixtures.
Not everyone agrees with the decision. Football finance expert Stefan Borson called the grant “unusual”, saying it is rare for public funds to be given to a club with wealthy private owners, especially when the project appears able to attract commercial backing.
However, Welsh officials maintain that the benefits to the wider community justify the investment.
FGG Says
Public investment in stadium projects always attracts criticism, but Wrexham’s situation is far more nuanced than the headline of “Hollywood owners get £18m” suggests.
The funding is tied directly to a major regeneration scheme that aims to improve infrastructure, unlock economic growth and raise Wrexham’s profile for decades. These benefits extend well beyond the football club and into the wider community. While questions of fairness are understandable, the government’s logic centres on long-term regional impact rather than private wealth.