Rob McElhenney Needed "Movie Star Money" From Ryan Reynolds To Buy Wrexham AFC

When Rob McElhenney found out how much it would cost to buy a soccer team, he knew he couldn't get it done with "TV money" alone, so he called box office superhero Ryan Reynolds. Stick around for more with the creators of the FX series, "Welcome to Wrexham." #WrexhamAFC #RyanReynolds #RobMcElhenney
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via Paramount+, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[@sebaekyeol]

That genuine spit take from movie star Ryan Reynolds 😂

[@kimberknutson831]

Yes, that. : )

[@foodreacts2]

it was hilarious and not staged

[@manucr9183]

@@foodreacts2 sure

[@garethpearce5266]

I’m from Wrexham. And I never have to explain where that is ever again. Diolch, Rob a Ryan 😃

[@andrewbrowne4887]

Does it bother you that the football world aren't interested in Wrexham FC but more interested in the high profile owners Time to get back to grass roits

[@richardgrace5043]

@@andrewbrowne4887 "back to grass roots" =broke and almost having to liquidate the club because not even enough money to stay in the bottom league (that is the shape wrexham was in before reynolds and the other guy came in) if it wasn't for ryan and the rest then odds are wrexham (the third oldest football club in the world) wouldn't even exist anymore

[@MrChristbait]

I'm Ipswich,but I like most have fallen in love with your club's story. Especially as the fans bailed them out financially!

[@andrewbrowne4887]

@@richardgrace5043 totally appreciate your point of view...nobody would have wanted Wrexham to fold but it was. hardly a surprise that they won the league with the backing they have .This season the national League has been like the Scottish premiership only two sides competing

[@andrewbrowne4887]

@@MrChristbait two multi millionaires baled them out after the trust admitted defeat

[@samfisher6606]

Ryan looks traumatized by the amount of money he's spent. I've been watching Welcome to Wrexham and I love it! But I realized something in episode 3. You come for Rob and Ryan but you stay for the people of Wrexham.

[@maddiesanabria5047]

It's so true! The people are truly something, I love how the show incorporates their stories

[@LetMeWanderHere]

I think he is traumatized because he supposedly bought the team without consulting his wife beforehand

[@rikardottosson1272]

@@LetMeWanderHere yeah, surprised he managed to get away with that.

[@MrDarkweaver]

@@rikardottosson1272 According to another interview, it was a conversation that scared the crap out of him, trying to explain why he wanted to spend millions of dollars on a football team that no one outside of the UK had ever heard of before. Glad he did it though. It's boosted the local community, it's helped rebuild some of the physical infrastructure of the stands and pitch, completely changed the management and running of the team. If nothing else, it has provided hope to a local community, and that is priceless.

[@Clipper_Dames]

well put.

[@anniesoernym]

Stephen going the Graham Norton way of making sure his guests have a good time 😆

[@FirestormX9]

just need a bigger couch and a wider camera shot haha

[@hollyw.]

I love it! I think the guests feel more relaxed and share more stories.

[@breakshot7451]

and gosh i love a good spit take;)))

[@MrBawdry]

He asked Graham Norton what his winning formula was. He replied with just one word. He said "liquor" Stephen Colbert has obviously taken it to heart.

[@queent3343]

His drunk episode with Matt Damon, Hugh Bonneville, and Bill Murray is first rate funny.

[@tvgcmma9215]

How do you become a millionaire? You start off as a billionaire and buy a football club

[@FirestormX9]

wait... that's what they say for F1 too LOL

[@caliscribe2120]

First heard it as becoming a winemaker.

[@jenkem4464]

Lol!

[@rebekahprice1172]

Underrated comment 😂

[@SophieKavanaghStyle]

There’s the same for horses too how do you make a small fortune in horses? You start with a big one

[@1craley878]

I haven't laughed so hard for a while, but when rob made Reynolds spit out his drink it just amazing and sooooooo funny

[@AndreRyan00]

It is a fantastic series...I'm so invested in the success of Wrexham now lol

[@fatsuperfly]

Same here, honestly my whole family loves football(soccer) but I never had anyone kinda guide me into what is what. They did it for me.

[@juliaconnell]

wow - a genuine spit take from Ryan Reynolds - hilarious 😂

[@cynhanrahan4012]

Hehe that's my cell company sitting right there. And I'm very happy with it. Happy to see decent people with money are spending it decently.

[@wendy645]

Same, and same!! 😁

[@krisfrederick5001]

Now the most famous Welsh Football team in America.

[@michaeljohn1978]

Yes, they now know the name of one Welsh football team

[@TubbyBrewster11]

I don’t know, I’ve heard Merthyr Tydfil FC have a pretty large following across the pond.

[@conky83]

They did more than buy a club, they saved it.

[@queent3343]

And a community. The community is the heart of the story.

[@Canuckmom128]

Really enjoying the Wrexham highlight posts. What a fabulous story. Ryan and Rob are the real deal. Also - that spit take was EPIC. “Up The Town” boys !

[@eileenoneill1805]

I’m not a soccer fan I always love traditional Irish football but watching the documentary has warmed my heart these guys really have done something amazing for the community not only the club. I cried a lot through out the whole thing

[@beadecked]

Hope Welcome to Wrexham has a 2nd season! Fell in love with all of it and was rooting for that team!!!!

[@kaydeebeedy1582]

I love how they seamlessly promote each other’s things without even blinking. I love this duo

[@lynnhubbard844]

I have followed this story from the beginning--very bizarre, but heart warming

[@Shiggystardust]

I just started following it 3 weeks ago. Bloody brilliant stuff.

[@nicholasmurray936]

Aviation Gin is so smooth you don't need to add any thing to mix with it. and unlike some gins there isn't any after taste. It's so good, my roommate, who doesn't like gin, actually likes this one. Any chance I get I buy a bottle. Unfortunately, it doesn't last long.

[@TrevorAllen]

These guys are brilliant together. Period.

[@NewMessage]

So we can expect an epic Ted Lasso spoof scene in the next Deadpool then?

[@klaythoring1326]

From my high school to other outdoor Ed high school to multiple workplaces to all the other shows, Ryan is 1 degree of separation in everything lol I’ve never had so much overlap with someone I don’t think I’ve ever met.

[@sean78745]

I always love how stephen will break out a bottle and pour at least 2 or 3 shots and take them on air because its awesome and such an anti late night thing to do

[@TAdams-hx9lk]

That's not just any bottle!....it's Ryan's Gin company Gin.

[@catybee112]

luckily, Aviation Gin is the same color as water. (Sorry to break it to you that it's Stage Alcohol.)

[@patsysadowski1546]

He got it from Graham Norton. Their interview he mentions it.

[@davidhurtado2725]

@@patsysadowski1546 finally a real one praising the real ones.

[@MOO67204]

@@catybee112 - slow pony slow

[@alexemery8352]

Really wish you guys would number these interview videos, it's basically impossible to know what order to watch them.

[@virginiaf.5764]

I just click on them, and if they haven't been brought out on stage yet I know it's the second or third interview. Stupid but it works.

[@alexemery8352]

@@virginiaf.5764 only problem is when it's a 3 part interview, there's no way of telling if you're watching the 2nd or the 3rd one haha. But yes, I use that same method as well.

[@juliaconnell]

2:58 - "we do what we say & we say what we're going to do" - more or less this is a core part of my philosophy, the way I live my life "I say what I mean & I do what I say' - people have been very confused about this - "is this a riddle"?? genuine question

[@Ti5qu4ntum]

The star power Wrexham FC didn't ask, but We all humankind kinda need it. 🙌🏼

[@toddrosenbaum9761]

Welcome to Wrexham is the gritty true story documentary of Ted Lasso. They're both amazing and keep me wanting more...

[@wharris123184]

Drachmas… I’m dead LOL

[@ottomans2876]

And Wrexham has now been promoted. Well done lads. Cymru am byth.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

Welcome to Wrexham has been a surprisingly good doc series

[@ColinPoole]

I was shocked to learn they bought the team for 2 million pounds - when they said he needed movie star money I was thinking 10s of millions to buy a soccer club but I guess thats the rate for the low-tier teams...sort of makes owning a soccer club seem obtainable for a LOT of celebs.

[@rossanderson5815]

It's not the upfront costs. It's the on going costs.

It makes sense for these two, honorable ppl who are well respected in the industry, and it's instantly a better team due to the extra media coverage and sales, now they can sign better players, it's a pretty smart investment while relatively safe, someone in EU would buy this team for two million, no doubt.

[@TSTypeR]

Yeah, if you want the club to eventually to sustainably grow you need a lot of investments. It's not a coincidence that the most successful clubs are all owned by Oil Sheiks that earned way more than movie star.

@@TSTypeR Agreed, but realistically speaking competing for a cup might not necessarily be the end goal, with that sponsor list and extra revenue generated that team should be climbing ranks in no time, I think taking the team to 2nd tier and turning around and selling it it's still a great deal for everyone, you are still leaving the team in much better shape while trying to find a buyer emotionally invested, you are right, this two don't have the money to chase a cup, but at that point, you can also take a big partner while retaining control.

[@tvgcmma9215]

The buying of club the cheap part - the day to day running costs a fortune - teams in prem league billions £ business but only really make money when in that division most others survive day to day

[@Freiheit1232]

I can't wait to see what they do with Wrexham. I'd love to buy merch in America

[@jlbueno0611]

Their team website ships internationally ...✌🏻

[@lynnhubbard844]

the Netflix $$ will help in funding for the future...great move

[@jweeping]

@@lynnhubbard844 The series is on Disney+ not Netflix.

[@CultureVault]

Deadpool plays Ryan Reynolds so good!!

[@Quayleman]

Can you label the part if you can't put them out in order

[@foodreacts2]

That Spit was way too genuine and funny

[@ojojohnson6356]

I love how Stephen said “football team” instead of “soccer”😂

[@anitawebster9450]

Stephen competing with Alan Carr to make sure his guests are relaxed 😉🥃

[@bettycunicelli8552]

Rob representing Philly!!!!! 💪💪💪

[@tashamiel]

damn, Ryan Reynolds is filthy rich! and he’s like 46-47, eh? damn 👏

[@kurtsudheim825]

You're telling me there's money in booze, NO! Robs expression when he says I've got TV money

[@ChipCain]

Isn’t it great to have spittakes back?! Nature is healing.

[@robinsoncrueso2287]

As a long time supporter of Wrexham FC these guys are awesome UTST

[@rxibot]

Wish you guys wouldn't break this up into segments. I have totally watched this out of order due to the algorithms.

[@ranchozaragoza]

Or just give us a way to play them in the correct order.

[@nomisukeindustries]

Please tell me the new Wrexham AFC uniform is going to be a red jersey with the Deadpool face on it.

[@zaynabyasin]

So so proud of these two! So proud to be Welsh! Diolch yn fawr!!! 💙 xxx

[@lynnhubbard844]

congrats!!!!!!!

[@mjpaynewales]

It’s so odd these guys on actual Colbert talking about your local team/town (now city). If anyone is interested there’s a burgeoning but thriving music and arts scene here. X

[@HenPapirman]

Funny how Stephen knows "Lira."

[@mruff2095]

ryan reynlods is a true comic genius

[@shakthidhasan4544]

Fastest way to make a billionaire into a millionaire....buy a British football team.

[@TAdams-hx9lk]

They won't lose. Team wins...great. Team loses...great tax write off and goodwill either way. Smart!

[@DS9TREK]

​@@TAdams-hx9lkyou don't get tax write-offs for losing. Not innthe UK

[@AaronTremblay]

Okay very niche and weird cinematography catch, but what is with the ungraded LOG footage from the welcome to wrexham clip?! Did someone make a mistake, or is this a new intentional thing??

[@fatsuperfly]

Gonna buy some of that Aviation! 😂 lol! Love both these guys!

[@CluelessClozie]

I swear Stephen’s desk holds the same magical powers as Mary Poppins’ bag! 😂🤣

[@aramrasmikael5863]

I think need to invest my money to Wrexham

[@LegenDove]

Listen to the beginning audio, it's very obviously dubbed and edited quite strangely

[@AA-qt1hi]

It's rare to get Ryan Reynolds to spit take. He's usually the one causing it.

[@Zuzu01]

Ryan here was like that cameo in “A Million Ways to Die in the West” or “Ted”

[@luciannbrewer2441]

My grandmother is Welsh. Non citizen on on the 1920 census. From her on we are Cherokee and Welsh. She was incredible! Loved Wrestling on TV.

[@johaniffsofiz]

The town aint no Beverly Hills so R&R is really showing integrity by focusing on the coomunity and not just owning a club for fun. Love these totally ripped guys 😁♥️

[@queent3343]

The Welsh people are amazing. They pour their heart and soul into this football club.

[@thatjeff7550]

Someone needs to introduce Unseen Academicals to Stephen, Ryan, and Rob.

[@Hair8Metal8Karen]

YES!

[@noelcastellon97]

Me as an American I’ve been following the non league English football for years and I know Wrexham really well and when Ive heard the news of rob and Ryan buying the club I was shocked but this is good 💯 love it

[@catalinegreanu]

The most beautiful colors EVER in the history is sports: RED & WHITE! Good luck, guys💪💪💪

[@TheRogueStatesman]

these two would make beautiful children together...

[@rgwak]

So this is just Ted Lasso irl, correct?

[@conky83]

No. Ted coaches teams. Rob and Ryan employ the coach to do Ted's job.

[@lynnhubbard844]

basically

[@Skiddins]

The answer they never actually mentioned was... £2m

[@lobsanggyaltsen360]

Turns out pounds are more than dollars. Lol 😆

[@olliegueret2963]

Using the old Graham Norton trick! Liquor up your guests. Fair play Steo!!!

[@foodreacts2]

Ryan knows it costs way to much to run a Football team

[@gen4176]

Ryan looks like he invested more money he’s comfortable with. Even how he’s grabbing his hands tightly

[@josefmanga]

This is probably why your appedix burst, I think you're drinking too much.

[@mikegendron3723]

They paid 2 million pounds or $2.3 million USD. For comparison, the Glazer's paid 790 million pounds for Manchester United or $916 million USD.

[@fahmizzzzzz]

Hah paid

[@jaybuck5818]

Check out how they did it.

[@chriscurrie5597]

The glaziers did not pay a dime, they leveraged the club against the debt,, those dirty American bastards took our debt free club, and loaded it with nearly a billion pound of debt, while bleeding the club dry with dividends,,,,

[@thewelshlink]

Being from Wrexham, this never stops being weird as heck.

[@dorin7431]

Is it just me or has Ryan started looking like Ben Affleck??

[@foodreacts2]

Rob is a very funny businessman

[@jenkem4464]

It is quite a good gin. And OH man what a snazzy bottle!

[@recklesstoboggan]

I feel like there's gotta be some "Wrexham! Damn near killed 'em!" low hanging fruit in there somewhere.

[@Eliphas_Leary]

These three men in a podcast with Joe Saylor for occasional rimshots (and tambourine solo) would break the internet.

[@gerardodwyer5908]

And the all without subtitles

[@jameshagan355]

Didn't Wrexham second team just beat USWNT's a$$?😂😂😂😂😂

[@Rain188]

I am a Liverpool fan and I hope you be a better American owners for wrexam than American owners of Man united , Chelsea ( the owner just sacked one of the best football couches 48 hours ago) and Liverpool!

[@jaybuck5818]

I'm a Man. Utd fan. Sometimes it's nice to find some common ground! 🙂

[@themichael3105]

I wonder if that was really water they're drinking.

[@MarkAvo]

Aviation Gin

[@FU7IM7CANADIAN]

Its not

[@catybee112]

It is Stage Alcohol (water or tea, depending)

[@juliaconnell]

gin, neat - that's the way I drink it lol.👍😉 (my gran too - my dad's mum, or so my mum told me - she died well before I was born), just annoyed can't get Aviation Gin in my country 🙁

[@annalopinski4459]

Not gonna lie Aviation Gin is one of my favs

[@henhenhen19]

Hate that these clips are broken up into pieces, algorithm never puts them together and I got to search them out individually

[@swisscheeseplease97]

I hope Rob and Ryan make all their money back

[@DS9TREK]

Fromma football club? Never

[@mmanu6126]

Does the song playing during the clip have a name?

[@sarasaeed376]

0:18 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@fatmadonmez2262]

“ or Lira” 😮😅😢

[@ryansummers4661]

hey rob maybe you know that its always sunny in albuquerque, sonnys bar on central, lol. my question is, why has New Mexico's population gone from 3.4 million to 2.1 million since 2000, you must know?

[@ryansummers4661]

follow up if micah is you, ceasar is the other guy, who is the golden god guy, dont know your names, also dont care I dont know your names

[@ryansummers4661]

its that bad colbert

[@khreon27]

"or lira" ouch

[@xazarl3381]

They made it playoffs last year and lost in semis and this season they 2nd with 8 games played 6 won - 1 draw - 1 loss and 1 point behind first. You want first place as its automatic promotion 2nd -6th is playoff got to make it to final and win to get promoted.

[@tifts9719]

The total cost was 2 million,it's a non league team, the lowest division of football 😂

[@DS9TREK]

Hardly the lowest. They were division 5, they could've gone to division 11 or even lower

[@tashamiel]

wow, Stephen Colbert, Ryan Reynolds bruised your ego, eh 😆

[@ciaranbrk]

I’m sure it made it back Ryan has enough from the gin and cell phone company 😂😂

[@craigslistreply6544]

McElhenney looks like what Peter Dinklage would look like if he were regular-sized

[@Jay-ate-a-bug]

How much did they spend on the team? For comparison's sake, they might have been able to get a Minor League Baseball Team in the States... a really bad one though.

[@matthowells6382]

I think it was 2 million pounds, probs worth mentioning that’s it’s a very minor league football ‘soccer’ team too haha

[@DS9TREK]

£2m before also buying the stadium from the local university, buying in players and funding the loses of over £1m per year

[@esean1]

Classic spit take! You don't see a lot of that, anymore.

[@rorysmith2415]

I think they should try to.get welsh cymru premier sides and all.Scottish sides.not in europe.to be invited into EFL Trophy and the english FA Trophy as guests. Keep the scottish. Welsh and english leagues but have pan great britain cups on top of european and domestic football. Also do.pan great britain cups in the women's game.

[@mruff2095]

omg get the hazmat team. ryan spit . could be covid laced we wouldnt know lol

[@thunderousapplause]

manohman 31 yrs sober and sometimes I still wish I could drink a couple shots like a normal person.

[@bettersecret1499]

Most people don't remember/know that in the Bible is written (at least a couple of times) that there will be drinking in the after life , I don't know if this idea makes you happy in anyway, even if you are not a believer

[@barrythatcher9349]

Well Deadpool 4 is locked in.

[@susannet.401]

😂 loved this 😅 I almost spat my water after his spit 😂😂

[@tinymotogarage]

The ad-value they got here and other similar interviews over 6-months for Av-Gin and (what I assume was) Max Effort Marketing and Mint is more than Wrexham cost (plus I bet there were some tasty tax incentives). The TV/ media production sales will cover ongoing club costs for the first 3 years until the club gate, ads, PPV (if any) and merch self-sustains and then the club will be refi'd to pay back the initial investment leaving 3-5X cap value at zero cost in. This guy doesn't spend money without a plan kids.