Wrexham owners Justin Verlander invests in La Equidad

Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Eva Longoria are among the investors in an American group that has acquired Colombian first division team La Equidad.

The group is led by real estate investor Al Tylis, co-chairman of Mexican club Necaxa, and Sam Porter, an executive at Necaxa and MLS franchise DC United.

Reynolds and McElhenney also purchased a minority stake in Necaxa in April 2024, with the Mexican team’s ownership group purchasing a stake in Wrexham in return.

The investment group acquiring La Equidad also includes American baseball star Justin Verlander and former NBA player Shawn Marion. The club confirmed in a statement that the takeover had been approved by Colombian league Dimayor.

“We welcome Al Tylis and Sam Porter, who arrive with a clear and long-term vision to continue strengthening our club,” posted La Equidad on X. “This is the first step towards a future full of opportunities.”

A club statement added: “Al Tylis and Sam Porter not only have extensive experience in the world of sport, but they also benefit from the support of recognized figures such as Eva Longoria, Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Shawn Marion and Scott Galloway.

Based in the Colombian capital of Bogota, La Equidad was founded in 1982 and finished 13th in the 20-team league last season. Their Estadio Metropolitano has a capacity of 10,000.

Reynolds and McElhenney caused a stir in English football by acquiring Wrexham in 2021.

Since the star duo’s arrival, Wrexham have been promoted twice and are in contention to do so again as they sit third in League One, behind Tom Brady’s Birmingham City and Wycombe Wanderers.