It looks as though we’re heading towards the end of a glorious era, with newly promoted Serie A side Venezia reportedly set to part ways with Kappa, with Nike’s Nocta sub-brand – fronted by Canadian rapper, Drake – set to step in.
Back in 2021, Kappa and Venezia commenced what could arguably be called an era-defining partnership, putting the small Italian side on the map for millions of football fans across the globe. Through the ensuing three years, the club and brand dropped some of the best kits in the game with the assistance of creative agencies like Fly Nowhere and Bureau Borsche. During this period, the club also went through a brand identity refresh, all contributing to placing Venezia in the vanguard of the football x fashion space. They became the niche club of world football – everyone’s favourite second team – and their jersey drops were and instant highlight of the kit calendar. It perfectly coincided with the resurgence of Kappa as a serious force in the jersey culture scene – that Omini logo once again acting as a true mark of quality and cool. It was the perfect combination, marshalled under the watchful eye of Ted Philipakos.
But the departure of Philipakos marked a slight shift in the club’s course (the somewhat controversial appearance of a sponsor this year in place of the signature 'Venezia' sign off being one jarring change up). And now it looks as though that marvellous Kappa-era is coming to an end, with reports suggesting that Venezia will not be renewing its deal with the Italian brand, despite a last-minute attempt to extend the contract which expires this year. According to local media outlet, La Nuova Venezia, talks had been progressing well with another Italian heritage brand in Diadora, but they too have also apparently faltered, leaving Nocta to swoop into pole position in the negotiations. For those unfamiliar, Nocta are a sub-brand of Nike, similar to Jordan – although no where near the same scale – and it's fronted by Drake. This would represent a first appearance in the football world for Nocta, but it could be the perfect introduction.
Before Kappa's time, Nike were the technical sponsors for Venezia, so the relationship already exists, making this potential move even more feasible. The suggestion is though that any incoming brand would be the kit supplier for the club for the 24/25 season, and with that in mind something needs to be in place very soon.
Following the end of Venezia’s partnership with Bureau Borsche last year, Seoul-based creative studio and football lifestyle brand, Nivelcrack were announced as a new partner of the club, but there’s no word on how this latest change could affect that going forward.
Stick with us for more news on this developing story.
