A new American ownership group has acquired Res Roma VIII, an independent women’s soccer club based in Rome, with strategic plans to elevate the team’s global profile and contribute to the rapidly expanding women’s soccer market.
The acquisition involves principal owner Matt Rizzetta, Rome-based executive Francesco Sortino, NYU sports culture professor Gina Antoniello, and multi-asset sports entity Club Underdog. The team, which currently competes in Serie B, has a distinguished history of developing talent, having produced over 30 players for the Italian National Team and top European clubs.
Founded in 2003, Res Roma originated with a mission to provide redemption opportunities for young girls from challenging backgrounds in Rome. Unlike other Roman soccer clubs like AS Roma and SS Lazio, which have women’s teams attached to male parent clubs, Res Roma has maintained a unique independent identity focused exclusively on women’s soccer.
The acquisition arrives during a significant period of growth for women’s soccer. Global revenues in the sport increased by 35 percent last year, with UEFA committing over $1 billion to developing women’s soccer across Europe. Industry projections suggest women’s soccer could become a multibillion-dollar industry by 2026.
Recent high-profile transactions, such as Angel City FC’s $250 million acquisition and Chelsea FC’s women’s team valuation at $200 million, further underscore the sector’s economic potential. Rizzetta emphasized the transformative vision, stating that Rome presents an exceptional opportunity to build a destination brand in women’s soccer.
Res Roma currently plays at Linkem Arena, one of the few women’s-specific professional soccer venues in Rome. The club’s historical commitment to developing local talent and providing social opportunities remains central to its mission under the new ownership.
With this acquisition, the ownership group aims to leverage Res Roma’s established reputation and expand its international footprint, potentially positioning the club as a significant player in the global women’s soccer landscape.
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