Birmingham City made an intriguing proposal to the EFL, requesting permission to play their upcoming League One fixture against Wrexham in the United States. The club’s American ownership group, which includes NFL legend Tom Brady, envisioned taking this match-up across the Atlantic, but their idea was swiftly rejected by the EFL bosses.

This unprecedent request stems from the growing popularity of both clubs in the US. Birmingham City was taken over by a US-based group in July 2023, and Brady joined as a minority investor a month later. Meanwhile, Wrexham has gained significant attention since A-list actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over as owners in 2020. The club has since achieved back-to-back promotions and gained a dedicated following in the US thanks to a smash-hit Disney documentary.

While the proposal to play in the US was denied, it highlights the growing global appeal of English football and the potential for future expansion. Birmingham’s first season under new ownership ended in disappointment with relegation to League One, but the club is now focused on rebuilding and exploring innovative ways to engage with their expanding fan base.

Birmingham will face the challenge of taking on Wrexham next season after their relegation to League One.

Wrexham has experienced a surge in popularity in the US since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over, achieving back-to-back promotions and a dedicated fan following.

The potential benefits of playing the fixture in the US were significant. It could have attracted a larger crowd than St. Andrews’ capacity and provided valuable content for both clubs to build their global brands. Additionally, as revealed by Mail Sport, the EFL has been exploring opportunities to expand its reach in the US, following a lucrative overseas TV deal and a partnership with Relevent Sports to market the competition in North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

While the idea of playing a competitive English fixture outside of England or Wales was novel, it is not the first time that a club has proposed taking a match overseas. Wrexham is already scheduled to travel to the US for friendlies before the new season, and the prospect of Premier League matches being played in the US has been a topic of discussion for some time, despite facing opposition from fans.

Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback, joined Birmingham City as a minority investor last summer.

Wrexham is set to travel to the US for pre-season friendlies, showcasing their brand to an international audience.

Brady’s involvement with Birmingham City goes beyond his investment. He also advises the club on health, nutrition, and recovery systems, drawing on his extensive experience as a professional athlete. As Birmingham City looks to the future, they are committed to exploring innovative strategies to engage their global fan base and build a successful club, both on and off the pitch.