Wrexham director Shaun Harvey has revealed the plans Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have in the United States.
Wrexham have transformed into a global force since Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds tookover in February 2021.
The Hollywood owners have used their heightened status to become well-recognised globally – including the Welcome to Wrexham documentary – which has helped attract thousands of supporters from the United States.
According to director Shaun Harvey, approximately 5,000 US households tuned in to watch the Reds last season, while Phil Parkinson was left stunned by how knowledgeable supporters in America were.
There’s a general consensus that people from the US only follow Wrexham because of the documentary however, the growth of the team on the pitch has also helped to spike interest.
Shaun Harvey reveals ‘integral’ Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds plans in the US
The Wrexham first-team squad – including the latest new signings Callum Burton and Sebastian Revan – have landed in America ahead of their pre-season preparations.
Parkinson’s side come up against Bournemouth on Friday before playing Chelsea and MLS team Vancouver Whitecaps in the following week.
It’s important that Wrexham test themselves against Premier League opposition ahead of a gruelling League One campaign, while Harvey believes it’s ‘integral’ for the club to maximise their growth in North America.
Speaking to The Athletic, Harvey said: “The club needs to continue to grow and the brand needs to keep developing.
“There’s no doubt the opportunity to take the team abroad is a) unusual for a League One club, and b) an integral part of the club’s plans to increase the size of our fanbase.
“The biggest area of growth is in North America. We have to take this opportunity to maximise that position because this is what benefits the club back in the UK.”
How Wrexham can benefit from increasing popularity in the US
The value for Wrexham in the overseas market is clear. In their accounts published for the year to June 2023, it was revealed that almost a quarter of their £10.4million total revenue in the National League title-winning campaign came from overseas.
Much of that came from North America as fans were drawn in by series one of Welcome to Wrexham, while there are other reasons why the club has again crossed the Atlantic in preparation for their League One campaign.
The Reds are likely to see a rapid increase in the sales of merchandise, as fans look to buy the new 2024/25 home kit, which was unveiled by the club on Tuesday.
Moreover, supporters from the US – who don’t have the privilege of watching Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground – can instead see them play against Bournemouth, Chelsea and the Whitecaps.
According to The Athletic, 110,000 fans attended the four matches in last year’s pre-season tour and if a similar number is achieved, albeit with one game less, the club will be earning thousands, or perhaps even millions in revenue.
That is invaluable for the club in not only increasing the number of people watching Wrexham across the pond but also bringing added revenue.