Venezia announce new President and €100m investment via rapper Drake | OneFootball

Venezia have just earned promotion to Serie A, announced new investment worth €100m and Francesca Bodie takes over as President, in a club backed by Tim Leiweke and rapper Drake.

The Lagunari secured their top two status in the Serie B tournament with one round to spare, just a year on from their relegation.

They are already planning big changes for the top flight, and it starts at the very top, as President Duncan Niederaurer will retain a minority stake in the club ownership group.

VENICE, ITALY – MAY 25: Fans of Venezia create a TIFO in the stands prior to the Serie A match between Venezia and Juventus at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on May 25, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

However, the new President is Francesca Bodie, with her father Tim Leiweke and Rob Hamwee becoming co-chairmen of the Venice Operations Committee.

Venezia have big ambitions in Serie A

VENICE, ITALY – MAY 12: Supporters of Venezia during the Serie A match between Venezia and Fiorentina at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on May 12, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

“Venezia 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,” Leiweke said in a statement.

The presence of Bodie suggests Venezia will push forward on plans to build a new stadium, something that has been suggested for literally decades, going back to previous owner Maurizio Zamparini.

Rapper Drake had already worked with Bodie and Leiweke at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Maple Leafs.

“They know what success means and how to achieve it. We have succeeded before and I am excited to bring that energy to Venice,” said Drake.

The rapper became part-owner of Venezia in 2024 and is now boosting his investment in the club following promotion to Serie A, with Leiweke seemingly bringing an extra €100m ($117.72 million).

VENICE, ITALY – MAY 25: Fans of Venezia create a TIFO using coloured flags prior to the Serie A match between Venezia and Juventus at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on May 25, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Leiweke was criminally indicted in 2025 in the US for alleged stadium bid rigging over the Moody Center at the University of Texas, but was pardoned by President Donald Trump that same year.