WREXHAM, Wales — Wrexham AFC, the club made famous by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has achieved a historic third consecutive promotion, putting them just one tier away from the Premier League. Following a 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at Stok Cae Ras, Wrexham has secured their place in the EFL Championship for the 2025-26 season.

When Reynolds and McElhenney purchased Wrexham for just £2 million in February 2021, the club was struggling in English football’s fifth tier, the National League. Survival was the only hope then. Today, they are on the cusp of joining the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal in the world’s most-watched football league.

“Our goal is to make it to the Premier League,” Reynolds said after the promotion was confirmed, making it clear that Wrexham’s ambitions are bigger than ever.

Wrexham’s rise has been extraordinary but carefully managed. While their Hollywood owners brought unprecedented attention and investment, the club spent wisely rather than extravagantly. Record signing Sam Smith, who scored twice against Charlton, cost just £2 million — a modest sum by football standards.

However, the leap from League One to the Championship represents a significant challenge. Wrexham’s average attendance of just under 13,000 this season would be among the smallest in the Championship, where many teams regularly draw crowds of over 25,000. Financially, Wrexham will face clubs like Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton — all benefiting from lucrative parachute payments after Premier League relegation.

Still, Wrexham’s unique advantage lies in their commercial power. The club’s revenue surged to £26.7 million last year, a 155% increase, fueled by high-profile sponsorships like their deal with United Airlines. Their commercial income rose dramatically from £1.88 million to over £13 million, showcasing how the Hollywood spotlight has turned into real financial muscle.

This summer will be crucial. Manager Phil Parkinson — who has now secured six promotions in his career — plans to recruit players with Championship or even Premier League experience. Free agents like Leicester’s Jamie Vardy or Newcastle’s Callum Wilson are rumored targets. While signing global superstars like Kevin De Bruyne or Lionel Messi may be unrealistic, Wrexham’s reputation could attract serious talent looking for one last big adventure.

Parkinson acknowledges the challenge ahead. “We are going into one of the most competitive leagues in world football and it is going to be a huge test. But we will recruit the right players and enjoy the ride,” he said.

Wrexham has already made history by winning three promotions in three seasons — a feat never before achieved in English football. But reaching the Premier League would elevate their story from extraordinary to legendary. Clubs like Luton Town and Norwich City have made similar journeys in recent decades. Now, it’s Wrexham’s turn to try and complete the ultimate football fairytale.