### Wrexham's Historic Leap: From Underdogs to Championship Contenders - Wrexham AFC, co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has made headlines with their remarkable journey, becoming the first team in the top five tiers of English football to achieve three consecutive promotions since their acquisition in February 2021. This ascent culminates in their return to the Championship after a 43-year absence, marking a significant milestone in the club's history as they aim for Premier League status [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/wrexham-ryan-reynolds-championship-fixtures-35448342]. ### Structure of Wrexham's Championship Journey 1. **Ownership and Background** - Wrexham was purchased by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in February 2021, leading to a transformative period for the club [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/wrexham-ryan-reynolds-championship-fixtures-35448342]. 2. **Promotion Achievements** - The club has achieved three successive promotions, making them the first in the top five tiers to do so [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/wrexham-ryan-reynolds-championship-fixtures-35448342]. 3. **Upcoming Championship Season** - Wrexham's first match in the Championship will be against Southampton on August 9, 2025, a significant challenge as Southampton is a recently relegated Premier League team [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/wrexham-face-southampton-their-first-second-tier-game-43-years-5205521]. 4. **Financial Context** - The club faces a tough financial landscape, with Southampton benefiting from parachute payments, which could impact Wrexham's competitive edge [https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wrexham-ryan-reynolds-championship-fixtures-31941349]. ### Key Data Points Supporting Wrexham's Journey - **Promotions**: Wrexham has achieved three consecutive promotions since 2021. - **Championship Return**: This marks their first appearance in the second tier in 43 years. - **Opening Match**: Scheduled against Southampton, a team with significant financial backing due to parachute payments from their recent Premier League status. ### Conclusion: Wrexham's Ambitious Path Forward - **Wrexham AFC's journey is a testament to their resilience and ambition**. The club's ownership by Reynolds and McElhenney has not only revitalized its fortunes but also captured global attention. - **Key Takeaways**: 1. Wrexham's ownership has led to unprecedented success in recent years. 2. The upcoming Championship season presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly with their opening match against a financially robust Southampton. 3. The club's long-term goal remains clear: to secure a place in the Premier League, making their upcoming season critical for their aspirations [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3482972-wrexhams-premier-league-ambitions-the-final-leap].