Blake Lively Wasn't Happy Ryan Reynolds Bought a Welsh Soccer Team: 'Still Working Through That One'

Mar. 15, 2025

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.Photo: Ryan Reynolds/Instagram

Ryan Reynoldshad bad (and expensive) news forBlake Livelyafter he slid into someone’s Instagram DMs.

During an appearance onJimmy Kimmel Live!on Tuesday, Reynolds, 45, sat down with hisWelcome to Wrexhamco-star,Rob McElhenney, and explained that after the two became friends, they decided to buy part of a Welsh soccer team together — without consulting Lively.

Reynolds and McElhenney’s friendship started after theDeadpoolstar watchedIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and felt compelled to tell McElhenney how much he enjoys his work.

“I kind of slid into your DMs,” Reynolds said. “As I’m getting older, I’m thinking, ‘I’ve gotta tell people when I appreciate them more.’ "

The two became fast friends, and decide to buy Wales' Wrexham football league. “I remember after you reached out about this absolutely insane idea,” Reynolds said to McElhenney.

Reynolds continued, “I remember seeing Blake and saying, ‘I have bad news and I have really bad news. The bad news is I slipped into someone’s DMs again. Thereally bad news is that I might have bought half of a fifth-tier national football league in Wales.’ "

The actor said his wife’s reaction to the news was “not good.”

“We’re still working through that one.”

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds.Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Other than the slight stress on his marriage, Reynolds joked that McElhenney is “the best businesses partner” he’s ever had, as the pair get ready to release their new documentary series. The FX series follows the actors as they navigate ownership of a struggling football league, documenting the behind-the-scenes moments from meeting the team to setting up equipment in the team’s gym.

In May, Reynolds and Lively were spotted with McElhenneycheering on the sidelines of the soccer game at Wembley Stadium in London. Though Wrexham lost 1-0 to Bromley, the group appeared to be all smiles during the afternoon outing.

After making a joint bid to invest in the soccer club in the fall of 2020, Reynolds and McElhenney finalized their purchase in February 2021,CBS Sportsreported.

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“It is a special day for the two of us to become the latest stewards in the long and storied history of Wrexham AFC,” the actors said in a joint statement at the time.

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“Together with the players, the staff, the fans, and the local community, we can now pursue our goal to grow the team and return it to the EFL in front of increased attendances, and in an improved stadium, while making a positive difference to the wider community in Wrexham.”

source: people.com