• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 15, 2025

U.S. Investor Takes Over Inter Milan: What’s Next for the Serie A Champs?

  • A Chinese holding company that owned the Serie A club defaulted on a $428 million loan.
  • Italian pro soccer continues to lag economically well behind its British, Spanish, and German counterparts.
Inter-Milan
Inter Milan

The often-chaotic state of Italian pro soccer has taken another hit as Inter Milan, this season’s Serie A champion, has been taken over by U.S.-based investment fund Oaktree Capital Management. 

Oaktree became the new owner after the club’s Chinese holding company, Suning, missed a $428 million loan payment deadline Tuesday, in turn defaulting on the loan. Suning, which acquired a majority interest in Inter Milan in 2016, received the emergency bridge loan from Oaktree five years later to help manage club finances during the COVID-19 pandemic, when critical gate revenues were not arriving due to closed stadiums. 

More recently, Suning had been attempting to refinance its debt, including a potential sale of the club, but was unable to do so. As a result, even one of the most famous brands in European soccer is now the subject of a creditor takeover.

“We are committed to the long-term success of the Nerazzurri and believe our ambitions for the club are united with those of its passionate fans in Italy and around the world,” said Alejandro Cano, managing director and co-head of Europe for Oaktree’s global opportunities strategy. “Our initial focus is operational and financial stability.”

Inter Milan president Steven Zhang, a key figure within Suning, pushed back on Oaktree’s actions, saying “such behavior now poses potential risks to the club that could seriously jeopardize its stability.”

Bigger Financial Issues

Six additional Serie A clubs have U.S. ownership: AC Milan, Atalanta, Fiorentina, Roma, Genoa, and the newly promoted Parma. But Serie A continues to lag well behind not only the Premier League in total revenue but also Spain’s LaLiga and Germany’s Bundesliga. 

And despite a still-growing investment in Italian soccer by American entities, Serie A in 2022 also posted its worst collective financial loss in 15 years. Many owners of Italian clubs—including Inter Milan—have also sought to elevate their fiscal situations through enhanced facilities, only to find resistance in numerous areas, particularly regulatory and political ones.

“There’s a big gap between Serie A and the other leagues,” said former AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimović earlier this year at a Financial Times conference. “It’s all about the budget, the economics. Italy needs something more; they need something new.”

Inter Milan will conclude the 2023–24 Serie A season Sunday, but clinched its 20th league title last month.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Donald Trump

Trump Again Threatens to Move World Cup, Olympics

Trump claimed he could target Boston if he deemed the city unsafe.

Infantino Says FIFA Will Help Rebuild Soccer Facilities in Gaza

Invited by Trump, Infantino attended Gaza peace talks with world leaders.
MLS

MLS Publishes Unchecked AI-Generated Game Recaps

Humans are not reviewing the articles for accuracy.
Jenny Just

Austin FC Co-Owner: Teach Your Daughters to Play Poker

She calls poker a “mind sport” like chess that teaches important life skills.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrate their first and third place at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

Mercedes F1 Team Rides With Russell, Antonelli Despite Verstappen Link

Russell took the Formula One seat at Mercedes in 2021.
October 13, 2025

Titans Turnover: Brian Callahan Firing Adds to Pattern of Instability

Tennessee fired coach Brian Callahan six games into his second season.
October 13, 2025

RAJ Sports Withdraws Lawsuit Over Trail Blazers Stake

RAJ Sports had sued the Cherng family, owner of Panda Express.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) throws as quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on during rookie minicamp May 9, 2025, in Berea.
October 9, 2025

Browns Paying $41.6M to 8 QBs, but Only 2 Are on Their..

Cleveland traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals this week.
October 9, 2025

The Yankees’ $319M Roster Flopped. Now Comes the Hard Part: 2026

The MLB club’s current contracts limit its flexibility somewhat for next year.
October 6, 2025

Connor McDavid Signs Short-Term Deal, Eyeing Oilers’ Cup Window

The three-time Most Valuable Player signs for below his market value.
October 1, 2025

Cardinals Vow Changes Coming After Historic Attendance Drop

A stalwart franchise looks to correct an alarming slide in attendance.