If you’ve spent any time on the internet or watched a YouTube video without an ad blocker in the last five years, you’ve seen the face. Ryan Reynolds—looking effortlessly sharp, usually in a sweater—joking about why your phone bill is way too high. It’s a vibe. It's the "Maximum Effort" brand of marketing that turned a tiny budget carrier into a household name. But here is the thing that trips everyone up in 2026: Does Ryan Reynolds own Mint Mobile?
Technically? No. Not anymore.
Honestly, the reality is a bit more corporate than a guy in a green suit might lead you to believe. While Reynolds basically became the mascot and the driving spirit of the company, he cashed out. He hit the big time. If you’re looking for the short answer, T-Mobile bought Mint Mobile in a massive deal that officially wrapped up in May 2024.
What Really Happened with the T-Mobile Buyout?
Let's rewind. Back in 2019, Reynolds didn't just become a spokesperson; he actually bought an ownership stake in Mint. We're talking about a roughly 25% share of the company. It was a genius move. Most celebrities just take a check to show up in a 30-second spot. Reynolds, through his creative agency Maximum Effort, took a seat at the table.
But in March 2023, the bombshell dropped. T-Mobile announced they were acquiring Ka’ena Corporation. That’s the parent company that owned Mint Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and a wholesaler called Plum.
The price tag? Up to $1.35 billion.
It wasn't an overnight hand-off. Regulatory hurdles are a thing, and the FCC took their sweet time making sure this didn't crush competition in the prepaid market. By the time the ink was dry on May 1, 2024, Reynolds was looking at a payday estimated at around $300 million. Not bad for a side hustle.
If He Doesn’t Own It, Why Is He Still Everywhere?
This is where people get confused. You still see him in the ads. He’s still tweeting about data plans. If he sold the company, why is he still the guy?
Basically, T-Mobile isn't stupid. They didn't just buy the 3 million or so subscribers Mint had at the time; they bought the "Ryan Reynolds Magic." Part of the deal was that Reynolds would stay on in a "creative role."
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The "Creative Director" Reality
- He’s an advisor: He helps steer the marketing tone so it doesn't become "corporate-speak."
- The face of the brand: He’s still the primary spokesperson.
- The Continuity Factor: T-Mobile wanted to make sure customers didn't flee the moment the "Un-carrier" took over.
Think of it like this: he’s the "Chief Creative Officer" who doesn't have to worry about the actual cellular towers or the billing software. He just makes the funny videos.
Why This Matters for Your Phone Bill in 2026
When the deal closed, everyone was terrified the $15-a-month plan would vanish. People hate when big companies eat small, disruptive ones. T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert (who took over the top spot in 2025) has mostly kept the peace so far.
As of early 2026, the $15 plan still exists, but it’s definitely "different." You still have to pay for three, six, or twelve months upfront. That’s always been the Mint "catch." T-Mobile has integrated Mint into its "Prepaid" portfolio alongside Metro by T-Mobile, but they’ve let it keep its independent, digital-first personality.
The Competitive Landscape
The MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) space is getting crowded. Since the sale, we’ve seen:
- Visible (Verizon) getting way more aggressive with pricing.
- Cricket (AT&T) leaning into more high-end perks.
- Total Wireless rebranding to fight Mint directly.
Reynolds selling was the peak of the celebrity-as-owner era. It proved that if you have enough charisma and a decent enough product (let’s be real, Mint’s 5G coverage on T-Mobile’s network is actually solid), you can build a billion-dollar exit from scratch.
Misconceptions You Should Probably Ignore
People still think Ryan founded the company. He didn't. David Glickman and Rizwan Kassim are the brains who actually started it back in 2015/2016. Reynolds came in later when the brand needed a jolt of personality.
Another myth? That he’s "gone." He isn't. He’s still very much involved in the creative direction. He even popped up in a June 2025 ad promoting the Samsung Galaxy S25 launch on Mint. He’s just a "paid consultant" with a massive legacy stake now, rather than the guy holding the deed.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re a Mint customer or thinking about switching, the ownership change hasn't ruined the service—at least not yet. The network is still T-Mobile’s 5G, which is arguably the fastest in the US right now.
Here’s the move: * Check the "First-Year" math. Mint is great for the first year, but make sure the renewal price after that initial 3-month promo is something you can stomach.
- Look for the T-Mobile perks. Now that it's a T-Mobile brand, look for occasional "un-carrier" benefits bleeding over, like better international roaming or Scam Shield features.
- Don't buy for the celebrity. Ryan is great, but your 5G signal doesn't care about his jokes. Check the coverage map for your specific zip code before committing to a 12-month plan.
The era of Ryan Reynolds owning Mint Mobile is over, but the era of him selling it to you is very much alive. It’s a masterclass in modern business: build a brand so personality-driven that the public doesn't even care who actually signs the paychecks.