Venezia FC needed a financial hero last season, and it found one in highly unlikely fashion.
The club was riding high in Serie B as it chased promotion, but heavy spending during its 2021-22 campaign in Serie A had put the club on the brink of financial disaster.
Enter Drake. Yes, that Drake.
Drake’s chief brand officer Matte Babel told GQ Italy about a conversation with Venezia co-owner Brad Katsuyama last season.
“I got a call from Brad,” Babel said. “He laid out the problem to me in a simple way: Venezia has to raise €10 million in a couple of weeks, and then at least €30 million in a few months, or 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 a deal, raised the money needed to pay the salaries and avoid bankruptcy.”
Venezia is now looking to establish itself as a regular in Serie A as it first aims for survival in the upcoming season.
The club should at least look good on the pitch in 2024-25, as it’s signed a kit manufacturing deal with NOCTA, Drake’s apparel line through Nike.