Tim Leiweke, co-founder of Oak View Group, made headlines on Thursday with his announcement of a $117.72 million (€100m) investment in newly promoted Serie A club Venezia. This move comes after he was criminally indicted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Justice Department in 2025 for alleged stadium bid rigging and subsequently pardoned by Trump later that same year.
Leiweke, who previously served as the CEO of Oak View Group, faced indictment from a federal grand jury last July concerning alleged bid-rigging related to the construction of the Moody Center at the University of Texas in Austin. His entry into the Venezia investment scene was reportedly encouraged by Canadian rapper Drake, as stated in a release from the club.
As part of his new role, Leiweke has been appointed co-chairman of Venezia’s operating committee, with his daughter, Francesca Bodie, taking the position of club president.
“Venezia is an iconic team with a century-long legacy in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and we are committed to pursuing excellence and victories to enhance the heritage of this storied club,” Leiweke stated.
Drake joined Venezia as an investor in 2024, collaborating with a diverse group of international investors, which included the global sports investment firm APEX Capital.
Before his indictment concerning the Moody Center project, Leiweke held significant leadership roles with Anschutz Entertainment Group, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, and Oak View Group. In his capacity as CEO of Oak View Group, he managed venues like Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena and New York’s UBS Arena.
Venezia noted in their release that Leiweke and Bodie’s introduction to the club came through Drake, who had previously worked with them during their tenure at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
“Tim and Francesca are exceptionally talented at what they do,” Drake remarked. “They understand what success looks like and the steps to achieve it. We’ve done this before, and I’m looking forward to bringing that same energy to Venice.”
Leiweke, who served as president of the Denver Nuggets from 1991 to 1995, co-founded Oak View Group in 2015.
“Having transformed both the LA Galaxy and Toronto FC into champions, as well as built premier sporting venues, we know how to cultivate a winning culture and prioritize fan experiences,” he added. “We are excited to apply that expertise in Venice, ensuring that VFC’s incredible fans experience a world-class home and remain a permanent fixture in Serie A.”