Serie A Acquires Majority Stake of 51% in Fantacalcio
2 hours ago
Italy’s top-flight football league is strengthening its digital engagement strategy after the 20 Serie A clubs approved the acquisition of a 51% controlling stake in fantasy football platform Fantacalcio.
The deal, valued at €18 million, places Fantacalcio’s overall valuation at more than €40 million. The transaction will be financed through a loan structure, with repayments set to come from the platform’s projected future revenues. Founders Nino Ragosta and Luigi Cutolo will remain in operational control of the business, while Serie A assumes majority ownership.
Fantacalcio reports a user base of approximately three million players and recorded revenues of €9 million in the 2025 financial year. The platform’s premium subscription model, priced at €12 annually, has supported revenue growth and attracted commercial partners, resulting in profits exceeding €4 million.
The investment reflects a broader strategic push to replicate the global engagement model achieved by the Fantasy Premier League, which has become a key digital driver for the English Premier League. With more than 12 million active users worldwide, the game has significantly increased weekly fan interaction and sponsor exposure.
Fantacalcio already holds a strong cultural foothold within Italian football, providing Serie A with a ready-made channel to deepen fan engagement, particularly among younger, digitally native audiences.
Not all clubs supported the move. Napoli, Fiorentina and Como voted against the proposal, citing concerns over valuation. Roma and Cremonese abstained.
Serie A President Ezio Simonelli described the meeting as constructive, stating that the acquisition would allow the league to integrate official imagery and branding to further enhance the product offering.
With commercial partners including Eni, Bancomat and McDonald’s already associated with the league, Serie A’s leadership views fantasy football as a core component of its commercial and fan-engagement strategy.
As global sports properties compete for attention in an increasingly digital marketplace, fantasy platforms are becoming central assets in league portfolios — driving data capture, sponsor integration, and sustained fan interaction throughout the season.