Drake Helps Secure $118 Million Investment for Venezia FC

Drake continues to prove himself as an accomplished multitasker, leveraging his massive celebrity status to make significant moves in the world of professional sports. Amid the anticipation surrounding his new album, ICEMAN, the Toronto superstar has helped the Italian football club Venezia FC secure a substantial $118 million in new funding to bolster their competitive standing.

Strategic Investment for Venezia FC

According to reports from Bloomberg, the investment was facilitated by a vehicle led by Tim Leiweke and his daughter, Francesca Bodie. Leiweke, the former chief executive of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), reportedly developed a professional relationship with the ICEMAN artist during their time working together at the Toronto-based sports conglomerate, which oversees major franchises in basketball and hockey.

Leiweke has now stepped into the role of co-chairman for the holding company of Venezia FC, while Bodie serves as the club’s president. Currently competing in Serie B, Italy’s second-tier football league, the club is positioned for a potential promotion to the prestigious Serie A next season, a move that this fresh capital injection is expected to support significantly.

A Growing Sports Portfolio

Drake’s involvement with Venezia FC is not a new development; he has been a co-owner of the club for some time. This latest financial maneuver follows his previous entry into European football, which included becoming a minority investor in AC Milan in 2022. His continued interest in the sport highlights a broader trend of high-profile entertainers diversifying their business interests into global athletics.

Drake co-owns Venezia FC, and this isn’t the first time he’s helped the club out financially. He also reportedly became a minority investor in AC Milan in 2022 and took a stake in the Venice team two years later.

The Intersection of Music and Athletics

Beyond his business acumen, the artist’s passion for sports remains a core part of his public persona. Whether he is courtside at Scotiabank Arena or supporting his son Adonis at local youth games in Toronto, his commitment to the culture of sports is evident. As he prepares for the release of ICEMAN on May 15, 2026, fans are already speculating whether these recent business ventures might influence the themes or references found on the upcoming project.

With the album release just one week away, the OVO camp is clearly operating at a high level across multiple industries. This latest funding success for Venezia FC serves as another testament to the artist’s ability to bridge the gap between global entertainment and professional sports management.