How Drake saved Italian club Venezia from bankruptcy

Canadian rapper Drake has further extended his relationship with professional football after saving Venezia from bankruptcy.

A new article from GQ Italy revealed the musician was a surprise protagonist in helping the Italian club with their financials. Venezia was in heavy debt during the 2023/24 season and faced the possibility of being relegated to Serie D.

However,the Canadian’s support coupled with strong performances on the pitch sees Venezia promoted to Serie A for 2024/25.

According to the article, conversations between close friends Matte Babel (Drake’s chief brand officer) and Brad Katsuyama (Venezia co-owner) led the 37-year-old musician to offer financial assistance.

“I got a call from Brad … He laid out the problem to me in a simple way,” revealed Babel in the interview. “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.”

Looking ahead to the new season, Katsuyama is excited to see how far the club can go in Italy’s top flight thanks to such an investment. Additionally, Drake’s company, NOCTA, will reportedly act as the club’s new kit sponsor.

“Matte was my first call when I knew the club needed help,” confirmed Katsuyama. Drake’s value to any football club is undeniable, given his scale as a global superstar and the reach of his brand.

“This intersection of culture and sport is exactly where we want to be, and the chance to collaborate with a brand like NOCTA, who is moving along the same lines, is incredibly valuable.”

“We know that every game in Serie A will be a tough battle. But in a way, the club has already achieved a huge result because the team has played amazingly all season and we have managed to raise money and save the club.”

Drake has previously partnered with Barcelona to produce a special OVO kit and also helped FIFA president Gianni Infantino announce Canada’s host cities for the 2026 World Cup.