Drake is proving himself to be “FUNDMAN” after he helped a struggling soccer club secure a massive investment to become Series A-level.
According to an official press release, Venezia FC had raised $118 million for it via an investment vehicle helmed by influential sports businessman Tim Leiweke (former chief executive of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.) and his daughter, Francesa Bodie.
In the process, Leiweke was appointed Co-Chairman of VFC’s Operating Committee and released a statement about the move. “VFC is an iconic team with a century-old history in the world’s most beautiful city, and we will be relentless in our pursuit of excellence and victories to enhance the legacy of this storied club,” he said.
“Having transformed the LA Galaxy and Toronto FC into champions and built premier sporting stadiums, we know what it takes to engineer a culture of winning and deliver fan-first experiences,” Leiweke added. “We are bringing that same expertise to Venice to ensure VFC’s incredible fans have a world-class home and are a permanent fixture in Serie A.”
Bodie also released a statement about being appointed as President in the move, stemming from her background in sports management and real estate development. “We invested because we love this city and its people and believe in the soul of this historic club,” said Francesca. “We are committed to honoring VFC’s deep history and distinct identity and executing a vision that will make us one of the country’s most competitive teams.
“VFC’s fans deserve continued success on and off the pitch, and our mission is to ensure VFC reaches and cements its position as a force in Serie A. I am personally honored to work alongside Filippo Antonelli, other VFC leaders, and the VFC OpCo to continue to build a team that matches the greatness of this city,” she added.
In his own statement, Drake, who introduced Leiweke and Bodie to the club through previously working with them while they were at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, expressed his excitement for them being a part of the team. “They know what success looks like and how to build it. We've done it before, and I'm excited to bring that energy to Venice,” Drake said.
Drake’s big move for the soccer team comes days before his highly anticipated new album, ICEMAN, hits digital and physical shelves on May 15.
