In a dramatic twist of fate, Pro Recco, the world’s most successful water polo team, is on the verge of a significant transformation. Following the unexpected departure of long-time patron Gabriele Volpi in early July, in the Saturday’s edition of the Italian Secolo XIX, the club is now in advanced talks with the Behring Foundation, an international nonprofit led by Brazilian billionaire Alexandre Behring.
Behring, a Harvard alumnus and co-founder of global investment giant 3G Capital, is best known for his role in acquiring major brands such as Burger King. Forbes estimates his fortune at $6.3 billion, placing him among the top 500 wealthiest individuals worldwide. Now, Behring, who once played water polo himself, is set to channel his passion for the sport into guiding Recco into a new era.
The potential acquisition by the Behring Foundation signals a shift towards a broader, more global perspective for the club, aligning with the foundation’s mission to support talented young people and promote social development. However, any major investments by Behring’s foundation are expected to be modest initially, with the focus on sustainable growth rather than lavish spending.
Pro Recco has recently rebranded as Recco Waterpolo. Since the previous entity left no debts, the new company inherits both the rights and titles of its predecessor. Consequently, all 73 trophies won by Pro Recco are now attributed to Recco Waterpolo. This continuity has been affirmed by the Italian Swimming Federation, which granted the green light for the transfer of sports rights, allowing Recco Waterpolo to compete in the upcoming A1 season of the Italian water polo league.
Should the deal go through, Recco will join the ranks of elite sports teams owned by some of the wealthiest individuals in the world, with only a handful of Serie A football clubs boasting more affluent owners. This new chapter, while potentially less flashy in terms of financial outlay, promises to bring strategic focus and long-term vision to the already illustrious club.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future in recent months, the ongoing negotiations suggest that Recco’s legacy will continue to grow under Behring’s stewardship. Even though Granados returned to CNAB, while Kakaris and Zalanki joined Olympiacos, the club is expected to retain key Italian players from last season while continuing to strengthen its roster with the likes of Aaron Younger and Ben Hallock, who will remain as the team’s key foreign players. This roster insures they will be competitive enough to defend their Italian Championship title.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more video content, subscribe to our Youtube Channel and Tik Tok account
