Wrexham's rise opens US eyes to UK lesser leagues

Wrexham's exploits since being bought by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have helped lift "the bonnet" on lower-league English football and boosted its popularity in the United States, former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand told AFP.

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PARIS —

The 40-year-old, who is now an ambassador for the Hammers, said Wrexham's climb up the English Football League (EFL) pyramid had "opened people's eyes across the pond on such a great league".

The Wales-based club have scarcely looked back since Reynolds and McElhenney's surprise purchase of them for around £2 million (S$3.45 million) in 2021. The team are just one promotion away from the English Premier League after becoming the first club from the top five divisions of England to secure three consecutive promotions.

Ferdinand has been a keen follower of football in the US since West Ham played in the 2008 MLS All-Star game against a team featuring David Beckham.

He points to CBS Sports' four-year broadcasting deal as proof of Wrexham's influence — the contract covers 250 EFL and League Cup matches per season through the 2027-28 campaign. "I think what Wrexham have definitely done is open people's eyes to outside the Premier League," he told AFP in an interview.