The popular rapper Drake has made headlines for his unexpected connection with Italian football club Venezia. According to an article in the Italian edition of GQ, the orange and black team managed to escape bankruptcy thanks to the international superstar. The rescue effort was initiated by Brad Katsuyama, one of the club’s partners, who reached out to Drake for assistance during a critical financial crisis.
Matte Babel, Drake’s Chief Brand Officer, shared insights into the situation, revealing the urgency of the matter. “Brad is my friend,” Babel explained. “He presented the issue straightforwardly: Venezia needed to raise ten million euros in just a couple of weeks, followed by at least thirty million euros within a few months, or the club would go under.”
The appeal to Drake highlights the significant role that celebrity influence can play in the world of sports. Babel further elaborated on the motivation behind their efforts: “Venezia is an incredible city, and Venezia FC has always been a special club. After discussing things with Drake, Brad and I worked out the details of how we could assist. Within two weeks, we reached an agreement and secured the necessary funds to cover wages and avoid bankruptcy.”
This remarkable collaboration is a testament to the commitment of Drake and his team to support the historic club and ensure its survival in the competitive landscape of Italian football.