Venezia FC needed a financial hero last season and found one in the most unlikely way.
The club was on course for promotion to Serie B, but heavy spending during the 2021–22 Serie A season brought the club to the brink of financial ruin.
Enter Drake. Yes, The Drake.
Drake’s Chief Brand Officer Matte Babel told GQ Italy about a conversation he had with Venezia co-owner Brad Katsuyama last season.
“I got a call from Brad,” said Babel. “He explained the problem to me very simply: Venezia has to raise 10 million euros in a few weeks and then at least 30 million euros in a few months, otherwise the club will go bankrupt.”
“Venice is an incredible city and Venezia has always been a special club. I spoke to Drake, then Brad and I discussed the details of how we could help. Within two weeks we had reached an agreement, raised the money needed to pay the salaries and avoid bankruptcy.”
Venezia now wants to establish itself as a regular player in Serie A and is initially aiming to avoid relegation in the coming season.
The club should at least look good on the pitch in the 2024/25 season, having signed a jersey manufacturing deal with NOCTA, Drake’s clothing line, through Nike.
“Matte was my first call when I knew the club needed help,” said Katsuyama. “Drake’s value to any football club is undeniable, given his stature as a global superstar and the reach of his brand. This intersection between culture and sport is exactly where we want to be and the chance to partner with a brand like NOCTA that is moving in the same direction is incredibly valuable.”
