Rizzetta: Napoli could become a major multi-sport hub

In a long interview with Sportico, Underdog Global Partners founder Matt Rizzetta discussed the Naples project and his views on the city's sporting future. Rizzetta said Naples is growing rapidly in tourism, and argued that its proximity to the Amalfi Coast, together with investment in hotels, accommodation, restaurants and infrastructure, will create significant opportunities over the next decade.

Rizzetta said the goal is to build a large multi-sport group under the Napoli brand, with SSC Napoli at the center of that structure. According to Sportico, Underdog has been in talks to buy the club from the De Laurentiis family since the end of 2025. Saying negotiations are still ongoing, Rizzetta expressed confidence that an agreement will be reached.

Rizzetta stressed that the relationships built so far are the product of years of demanding work. Recalling that the group also controls Napoli Basket, he said they are working on a new arena project worth about 300 million euros. The report also notes that the club has made contact with the NBA and EuroLeague.

On the future of European basketball, Rizzetta said the best solution would be for all parties to reach an agreement at some point. Assessing the city, he said that succeeding in Naples does not make doing business harder; rather, business comes to you.