Wrexham A.F.C. have secured full ownership of the Racecourse Ground, resolving a lease dispute that stalled their £69.1m redevelopment for years. The club, backed by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, now controls the stadium after the Wrexham Supporters Trust (WST) surrendered its lease this month.

What changed this week?

The WST’s lease expired in 2015 but was sublet to Wrexham A.F.C. until 2115. Legal delays—including Financial Conduct Authority checks and land purchases from Wrexham University—kept the club waiting. Now, with the lease collapsed, Wrexham can accelerate plans for the new Kop stand, due in 2027, and modernize the aging 1970s-era stands.

How does this help Wrexham A.F.C.?

The Racecourse Ground is the oldest active stadium in international football. Full control ensures Wrexham’s future there until 2115, while the £187,000 paid to the WST will repay supporters who saved the club in 2011—a promise the Dragons have long aimed to fulfill.

What’s coming for the Dragons?

With the Kop stand’s steel framework rising over north Wales, Wrexham A.F.C. can now focus on wider upgrades. The club sits 7th in the Championship with 71 points (19W-14D-13L), 24 behind Coventry, having scored 69 goals this season while conceding 65. Manager Ryan Reynolds’ stadium vision is finally unblocked.

The Mold Road Stand (1999) and two 1970s-era stands will likely follow the Kop’s lead—though no timeline has been confirmed. For now, the Dragons can turn their attention back to the pitch, where they’ll need a strong finish to chase Coventry.