After a successful season in Serie A last year, the Italian club Venezia is back in the league. They had previously played in Italy’s top flight in the 2021–22 season, but they were demoted to Serie B after finishing last. According to data from Transfermarkt, the team spent over $21 million on the transfer market at that time, resulting in considerable debts.

Venezia had a really rough financial season last year. Drake Matty Babel, the team’s chief brand officer, contacted Brad Katsuyama, a friend and co-owner, in response to this.

Katsuyama reportedly informed Babel that in order to escape bankruptcy, they needed €10 million up front and then another €30 million. This information came from GQ Italy.

This call was answered by an unanticipated investor. Drake, a well-known American rapper, and other unidentified investors put $43 million into the club. The club was able to weather the storm and win Serie B, earning promotion to the highest level, thanks to this injection of cash.Famous sports fan Drake is a die-hard fan of the hometown team, the Toronto Raptors, and is known for his extensive knowledge of sports betting. His record label, OVO (October’s Very Own), is named after the Raptors’ training facility, and he is also their global ambassador.

The American rapper’s subsidiary company, Nike NOCTA, will manufacture football uniforms for the Venezia club, and the club has now inked a deal with the rapper to work together.