Why did Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa buy an Italian soccer team? Reasons explored

Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa (Getty via Soap Central CMS - Resized on Canva)
Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa (Getty via Soap Central CMS - Resized on Canva)

Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa, the co-hosts of Live with Kelly and Mark, recently bought an Italian soccer team after traveling to Italy. This team is exceptionally special to Mark, who spent seven years of his youth back in Italy. During an interview with David Muir on ABC's World News Tonight, Consuelos and Ripa divulged to the viewers the reason why they bought a part of Campobasso FC.

Mark Consuelos started by saying:

"This project is particularly special to me... This town in this little-known region of Italy.. was in danger of losing their football club that they've had over 100 years."

Campobasso FC was founded more than a century ago, in 1919. Consuelos also revealed that the team's fanbase felt connected to his and Ripa's underdog story. Campobasso is grateful for Mark and Kelly's involvement, and it happened at the perfect time.


How did Mark Consuelos discover his love for soccer?

While in conversation with David Muir on World News Tonight, Mark Consuelos mentioned how his love for soccer/football started. It all began with his Italian mother, who is extremely passionate about football. He recalls her reaction to the Italian football team winning the 1982 World Cup.

Consuelos also said that owning a part of Campobasso FC has strengthened his relationship with his mother. She often gives her son post-match critiques. Kelly Ripa pitches in by saying:

"She's actually very good; she should be in team management."

How is Campobasso reacting to Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa buying a part of their historic soccer team?

The citizens of Campobasso are excited about Consuelos and Ripa's involvement in their beloved soccer team. Their impact can be seen in the way the residents were donning Campobasso's jersey while waving and cheering from their balconies.

Mark described how he felt after the local residents came up to him to thank him for helping their soccer team. He said:

"People have been fans for 40, 50 years, come up to you and say thank you... And then conversely, see the little kids who are just now wearing the jerseys and having something to root for - it's not work. It is an honor."

Kelly Ripa also added:

"We really want to win for them. Obviously, we want to win, but we really want to win for the town."

Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa's journey with the soccer team has been documented in an ESPN docuseries called Running with the Wolves. It will premiere on ESPN and ESPN+ on July 29, 2025.

Edited by Benidamika Jones Latam