When the TV series hit Welcome to Wrexham Few could have predicted that the show, which premiered in the fall of 2022, would help boost football’s popularity across the country. But in fact, Wrexham did more than just create a loyal fanbase of his supporters across North America.
So what measurable impact has Wrexham had so far? First, the Wrexham jersey sold out. In fact, co-owner Ryan Reynolds told the BBC today that 24,000 shirts have been sold since last summer, most of them mailed to North America.
Second, there has been a surge in the number of Americans flying to Wales to see Wrexham in person. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has seen it first hand.
Parkinson told the BBC: “It happens a lot when we come back from training. ‘There are people taking pictures. We chatted with people who came from afar. People were obviously enjoying the documentary.’
Third, Wrexham’s viewership helped boost ESPN+’s FA Cup TV ratings.
US football fans flock to Wales
Driven by success of Disney bundle delivering hits to US Wrexham fans Welcome to Wrexham Americans are flocking to Wales, including the series and Wrexham Games on ESPN+.
Joe Bickerton, a member of the local Wrexham County Borough Council, said: .’ That’s unbelievable. Such marketing is priceless. ”
The Wrexham Club Shop’s visitor book is signed by fans across the country, including Texas, Phoenix and Indianapolis.
Meanwhile, football fans Tanner and Paulina Weeks were at the racetrack this week. The couple traveled from Little Rock, Arkansas.
“We fell in love [Welcome to Wrexham] Speaking to the BBC, Tanner Weeks added his wife Paulina: It’s 100% why we became fans.
“I feel like I know all the players. Welcome to Wrexham.
“Rob and Ryan have embraced Wrexham and given us the opportunity to do the same.
We have heard many similar stories of Americans traveling to Wales and attending matches in person at the racecourse.
Wrexham and football popularity intertwine
Welcome to Wrexham Even on a casual basis, it has helped increase the popularity of soccer in the United States. From personal experience, some of my family and friends who are not interested in soccer have watched the series. it was done Welcome to Wrexham They were watching Wrexham play in the FA Cup and asked me if I would be promoted.
Speaking to other football journalists, many of them share similar stories.
Given that millions of Americans watched Welcome to Wrexham, the series is influential. New football fans are born, even if they are casual fans at first. After all, becoming a casual fan is the first step on the journey to finally being addicted to the sport.
Whether Wrexham gets a promotion or not, their story is a success. Appearances on SportsCenter, NFL pregame shows and FX have helped the club reach new football fans in the United States. And that’s never a bad thing. The more football fans there are in this country, regardless of the team they support.
Wrexham’s next game in the FA Cup is a rematch against Sheffield United, which will be broadcast live on ESPN+ the week of 5 February.
Photo: IMAGO/ProSports Images
