US billionaire Mike Repole buys majority stake in Italy's Spezia
What's the deal? American billionaire Mike RepoleDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Serie C club Spezia CalcioDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, becoming its new controlling owner. Terms were not disclosed. Repole will partner with Tom Roberts, who stays on as a minority shareholder.
Who is the buyer? Repole, 57, grew up in an Italian-American family in Queens and has a personal fortune of about $2.5 billion, according to Forbes, built on cofounding sports drink BodyArmor in 2011 and earlier venture GlaceauDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. Since 2025 he has also been an investor in the United Football LeagueDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a US competition.
What changes? Not much at the top, for now. Current president Charlie Stillitano stays in place, and the club says its leadership will remain. Repole and Roberts have framed a long-term plan to build a "solid, sustainable and competitive" operation.
Why now? The deal marks Spezia's third ownership change inside two years. The Platek family sold to FC32Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → in February 2025; Roberts's RAM Spezia Holdings took full control in April. Founded in 1906, the club last played in Serie A in 2022/23, missed promotion in a 2025 playoff final, and was relegated to Serie C.
What could go wrong? The transfer still requires approval from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). With no price or detailed investment plan disclosed, the sporting and financial impact remains uncertain.
"Spezia is a Club with incredible history, tradition and passionate supporters, and that's what makes this opportunity so special," Repole said in a statement.
The signal: Spezia joins a widening list of Italian clubs under North American control, alongside recent US takeovers or investments at MonzaDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Cagliari, and FrosinoneDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. Lower-division Italian football is increasingly a target for foreign capital betting on promotion upside.
Read more: football-italia.net
Image credit: Spezia Calcio
