The Ascent of Wrexham and the New Venture in Mexico
The story of Wrexham’s exhilarating ascent in the English Football League has captivated audiences worldwide, but another fascinating narrative is unfolding in Mexico as the club’s co-owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, turn their attention to Liga MX’s Necaxa. McElhenney recently shared with ESPN his enthusiasm for the new venture, highlighting the stark cultural contrasts found in Mexican football compared to what they experienced in Wrexham.
“While both are passionate, English football is more combative, whereas Mexican matches feel like an elegant dance,”
he remarked, signaling his excitement about exploring this new chapter.
Documenting the Journey
Since taking over Wrexham in 2020, the duo has successfully rejuvenated the team’s fortunes, capturing their renaissance in the docuseries “Welcome to Wrexham.” Now, much like their Welsh project, they are documenting their experiences with Necaxa, a club steeped in history but longing for a return to glory after nearly three decades without a league championship.
Investors and the Future of Necaxa
The Mexican club’s resurgence is also bolstered by the involvement of actress Eva Longoria, a key investor who joined the team in 2021. Her documentary series titled “Necaxa” features the unpredictable nature of Liga MX, which is known for its thrilling ups and downs, contrasting with the more stable narratives of some sports leagues. Despite being a past champion in the ’90s, Necaxa currently faces a tough landscape dominated by high-spending rivals, though they’ve consistently qualified for playoffs in recent years.
Longoria expressed her surprise at the vast audience and the international reach of Liga MX during her initial foray into football investment.
“When I was introduced to the idea of investing in Necaxa, I was astounded by the league’s fan numbers and global pull,”
she noted, ranking Liga MX among the most watched leagues in both Mexico and the U.S. This potential was recognized by her investment group, NX Football USA LLC, which also includes high-profile personalities from various backgrounds.
Strategic Vision and Local Expertise
Sam Porter, a co-managing partner of the ownership group, echoed Longoria’s sentiments, emphasizing Necaxa’s rich history, solid infrastructure, and untapped potential as key factors in their decision to invest. He highlighted that the club is situated in Aguascalientes, a vibrant city with a thriving business environment, making it a strategic choice.
Porter, McElhenney, and Reynolds are keen to replicate the success they achieved at Wrexham, utilizing different strategies. They’ve made it clear that while they are passionate about the sport, they respect the expertise of seasoned professionals in football operations. McElhenney particularly underscored the importance of not imposing their vision but rather learning from local expertise, allowing for a more authentic approach to running the club.
Challenges and Aspirations
Despite facing immediate challenges on the field with inconsistent performances this season, the ownership is optimistic. The Necaxa team has a solid foundation, but as Longoria points out, changing perceptions around the club’s image presents an ongoing struggle, particularly as coverage often overlooks their successes.
With their backgrounds in storytelling, both McElhenney and Longoria hope that by bringing attention to Necaxa through media, they can improve the club’s standing and maintain their best talents, rather than lose them to larger clubs in the league. The current ownership seeks to transform the scope of Necaxa, not just for the club, but also to highlight the broader community and culture.
The Evolving Landscape of Liga MX
Meanwhile, the Liga MX landscape continues to evolve, with anticipated changes regarding media rights and the possible reintroduction of promotion and relegation, adding layers of intrigue not only for the club but for fans across borders. McElhenney acknowledged the complex dynamics at play, noting that while these changes introduce excitement, they also require careful navigation by club owners.
As for Longoria, her dedication to Necaxa resonates deeply with her identity as a Mexican-American, influencing her commitment to creating a positive representation of the community through the docuseries. She candidly expressed her aspiration to showcase the vibrant Mexican culture that shapes the club’s identity.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether through captivating narratives or competitive grit, both Wrexham and Necaxa’s journeys embody a spirit of perseverance and innovation within the world of football. The prospects of collaboration or crossovers between the two teams could add yet another captivating chapter to these unfolding stories in the beautiful game.
