Imagine Wrexham playing in the Premier League in 2026. It sounds wild, but it's becoming more realistic by the day. Just two years after escaping England's fifth tier, the Hollywood-owned club is on track for a third straight promotion.
Saturday's 1-0 win at Wycombe was massive for Wrexham. Sam Smith's 78th minute goal moved them into second place in League One with just nine games left to play. That's an automatic promotion spot to the Championship.
If they hold onto second place, they'll play in England's second tier next season for the first time since 1982. From there, another promotion would put them in the Premier League alongside Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
The Championship Challenge
No team has ever jumped from the National League to the Premier League this quickly. The fastest was Luton Town, who did it in nine years. Wrexham could pull it off in just three.
But the jump to the Championship is enormous. "The step-up to the Championship is huge," says Stuart Webber, who achieved Premier League promotion with Norwich and Huddersfield. "Some of Wrexham's players were with them in the National League. People don't realize how big the gap is."
Many clubs have achieved back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. Ipswich Town just did it this season. But they spent big money (£8m) on Championship-quality players while in League One.
Wrexham has spent just £5m since last season's promotion. That's nothing compared to League One leaders Birmingham City, who splashed £29.7m including £15m on just one player.
Hollywood Backing vs Reality
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been dream owners since buying the club for just £2 million in 2021. Their backing plus the global appeal of the "Welcome to Wrexham" TV show gives the club unique advantages.
But there are real hurdles ahead. Wrexham doesn't own their training ground. Their stadium capacity is just 13,300 – less than half of what Ipswich and Birmingham can pack in.
The squad also needs major upgrades. Last season's heroes are fading – striker Paul Mullin scored 47 goals during their National League promotion but has just 5 in 32 games this season.
Commercial revenue has doubled to £10.5m thanks to their Hollywood connection. That's helping offset their smaller matchday income, but competing in the Championship would require significant investment.
For bettors eyeing Wrexham's promotion chances this season, their current position looks promising. But those considering long-term bets on them reaching the Premier League might want to be cautious. The final leap is where many clubs stumble.
"Rob and Ryan have delivered on everything they promised," Webber notes. "But if Wrexham are promoted, I hope the project gets the patience it needs. They could get some harsh lessons as a Championship club."
The Hollywood ending of Wrexham in the Premier League remains possible. But the script for that final act will require both patience and serious financial backing.
