Fiorentina owner and Mediacom chairman Rocco Commisso dies at 76

Rocco Commisso, the Italian-American businessman who owned Fiorentina football club and built Mediacom Communications into a cable television giant, has died at age 76, according to announcements from both organizations early Saturday.

“After a prolonged period of medical treatment, our beloved president has left us, and today we all mourn his passing,” Fiorentina said in a statement. “His love for Fiorentina was the greatest gift he gave himself.” No specific cause of death was provided.

Born in Calabria, Italy, Commisso immigrated to the United States at age 12, embodying the classic American success story. He attended Columbia University where he played soccer, a connection he maintained throughout his life through substantial philanthropic contributions. The Ivy League institution’s soccer stadium now bears his name in recognition of his support.

Commisso’s business acumen led him to establish Mediacom Communications, which he grew into one of America’s largest cable television providers. The company became a cornerstone of his estimated $8.9 billion fortune according to recent financial publications, making him one of the wealthiest Italian-Americans in the business world.

In 2019, Commisso expanded his sporting interests by purchasing Fiorentina, a storied club in Italy’s top-flight Serie A. His ownership brought renewed attention to the Florence-based team, though results on the pitch have been mixed. The club reached the UEFA Conference League final in both 2023 and 2024 but failed to capture the trophy in either appearance.

The team has struggled in domestic competition this season and currently sits in Serie A’s relegation zone, a position that reportedly concerned Commisso deeply in his final months.

During his tenure as Fiorentina’s president, Commisso became known for his outspoken criticism of Italian bureaucracy and the country’s antiquated stadium infrastructure. He frequently highlighted the challenges faced by club owners attempting to modernize facilities, comparing Italy’s regulatory hurdles unfavorably to the business environment in the United States.

Prior to his Fiorentina purchase, Commisso owned the New York Cosmos, a historic American soccer brand that he attempted to revitalize. The club paid tribute to him following the announcement of his death, calling him “a passionate leader who dedicated his life to the game of soccer and to the future of the sport in this country.”

“Rocco fought for what is best for American soccer, believing in the growth of the game, the importance of community, and the power of clubs to inspire the next generation,” the New York club said in a statement posted on social media platform X.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also offered condolences, writing on Instagram: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Rocco Commisso, the president of Fiorentina, who dedicated his life to our wonderful sport. When I met him he spoke to me about his players like his children, about his club like a part of himself.”

Throughout his business career, Commisso was known for his direct communication style and hands-on approach to management. He maintained an active presence in both his media business and sporting ventures, often traveling between the United States and Italy despite his advancing age.

The dual loss of Commisso’s leadership presents challenges for both Mediacom and Fiorentina, where succession plans will now need implementation. Industry analysts will be watching closely to see how both organizations navigate this transition.

Commisso is survived by his wife, Catherine, and two children, Giuseppe and Marisa, who have been involved to varying degrees in his business enterprises over the years.