Wrexham Association Football Club, the historic Welsh club co-owned by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, has unveiled a new partnership with Nex Playground, a popular motion-based active play system. The agreement sees Nex become a kit sleeve sponsor for the 2026-27 season, marking the US brand's inaugural major football collaboration and a significant step in its international expansion.
Nex Playground, which has achieved considerable success in the US and Canada, is now setting its sights on the UK market. The partnership extends beyond branding, encompassing a joint commitment to fan engagement and youth sports initiatives. These efforts will be facilitated through the Wrexham AFC Foundation and Academy, aiming to foster active play and community connection within Wrexham and beyond.
Tom Kang, President and Head of International at Nex, highlighted the shared values between the two organisations. He stated, "Wrexham AFC and Nex are both writing exciting new chapters in our respective journeys, driven by a shared commitment to community and connection." He added that the collaboration would create memorable experiences that bring families together through sports, movement, and play as Nex expands into the UK.
The club's co-chairmen, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, also expressed their enthusiasm for the new venture. They noted, "Nex Playground and Wrexham both have big dreams and have experienced giant leaps forward in the past few years." Their statement also humorously suggested the consoles could help them continue playing and competing with less risk of injury, while also pointing out the shared letter 'x' in both brands, which they deemed 'essential to any collab'.
Fans can anticipate seeing the Nex Playground logo prominently displayed on the sleeve of Wrexham's kit for the upcoming season. Additionally, the partnership will bring various activations to the Racecourse Ground, including a dedicated Nex Game Zone within the new Kop Stand, and activities during the club's summer tour. The collaboration will also be featured in the Emmy Award-winning docuseries 'Welcome to Wrexham', further increasing Nex's visibility.
To mark its UK launch, Nex will host a free, public showcase of Nex Playground at Wimbledon Park from July 1-4, 2026. The active play system will be officially available for purchase in the UK and Republic of Ireland from June 22, 2026, through major retailers including Amazon, Argos, Smyths Toys, and TikTok Shop, both online and in selected physical stores.