News Focus
- Venezia FC clinch promotion to Serie A with one match remaining in the second tier
- Rapper Drake and businessman Tim Leiweke commit €100 million to the Italian club
- Francesca Bodie named as new President, replacing Duncan Niederaurer
- Club revives long-standing plans to construct a new stadium
- Promotion achieved just one year after suffering relegation from the top flight
Italian side Venezia FC have confirmed their return to Serie A after securing promotion from the second tier. The club has also unveiled ambitious plans for the future, including a €100 million cash injection and a change of leadership at the top.
The Lagunari clinched a top-two finish in Serie B with one match remaining. This marks a remarkable turnaround, coming only twelve months after they dropped down to the second division.
Preparations for life in the top flight are already underway. Changes begin at board level, where Duncan Niederaurer will keep a small share of the club, though Francesca Bodie now leads as President.
Bodie’s arrival signals fresh momentum for a long-delayed project. The club hopes to finally build a new stadium, an idea that has existed for decades under former owner Maurizio Zamparini.
This is not the first time the Canadian rapper has worked with Bodie and Leiweke. The trio previously collaborated at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which controls Toronto FC, the Toronto Raptors, and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Drake expressed his enthusiasm for the project. ‘They understand what it takes to win. We have done it before, and I cannot wait to bring that winning spirit to Venice,’ he stated.
Drake first bought shares in the Italian outfit during 2024. Following their promotion, he is increasing his financial commitment. Leiweke is reportedly providing an additional €100 million, equivalent to approximately $117.72 million.