The footballing world and the city of Florence are in mourning following the news that Rocco B. Commisso, the charismatic president and owner of ACF Fiorentina, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of 76.
Commisso, an Italian-born American billionaire and the founder of Mediacom, died surrounded by his family. His passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Viola, a club he purchased in 2019 and led with a mixture of fierce passion, business acumen, and a deep love for his Italian roots.
The "Rocco Revolution" in Florence
When Commisso acquired Fiorentina from the Della Valle family in June 2019, he promised to "bring the club back to where it belongs." Over his nearly seven-year tenure, he did exactly that, leaving behind a legacy that will be felt for generations.
Viola Park: Perhaps his greatest physical legacy is Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park, the world-class training center in Bagno a Ripoli. It is widely regarded as one of the most advanced sports complexes in Europe, housing all of the club's men’s, women’s, and youth teams.
Return to Europe: Under his stewardship, Fiorentina returned to European competition, reaching back-to-back UEFA Europa Conference League finals in 2023 and 2024.
Financial Stability: Commisso was a vocal critic of the "bottomless pit" of Italian football finances, consistently advocating for stricter enforcement of Financial Fair Play and investing nearly €1 billion of his own wealth to stabilize and grow the club.
From Calabria to the Bronx: A True American Dream
Commisso’s life was the epitome of the "Self-Made" story. Born in Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, Calabria, he immigrated to the U.S. at age 12 with nothing but his family and his accordion.He earned a full scholarship to Columbia University, where he became a star soccer player and captain, leading them to their first NCAA tournament.
He eventually founded Mediacom in his basement, building it into the 5th largest cable television provider in the United States.
Official Club Statement (Jan 17, 2026): "ACF Fiorentina is heartbroken to announce the loss of our President, Rocco B. Commisso. A man of immense heart, vision, and courage, Rocco didn't just buy a football club; he embraced a city. He gave Florence his passion, his resources, and his soul. We will continue his work with the same 'fast, fast, fast' spirit he instilled in us all."
Farewell to a Visionary: ACF Fiorentina President Rocco Commisso Passes Away at 76
The footballing world and the city of Florence are in mourning following the news that Rocco B. Commisso, the charismatic president and owner of ACF Fiorentina, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of 76. Commisso, an Italian-born American billionaire and the founder of Mediacom, died surrounded by his family. His passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Viola, a club he purchased in 2019 and led with a mixture of fierce passion, business acumen, and a deep love for his Italian roots.
The "Rocco Revolution" in Florence
When Commisso acquired Fiorentina from the Della Valle family in June 2019, he promised to "bring the club back to where it belongs." Over his nearly seven-year tenure, he did exactly that, leaving behind a legacy that will be felt for generations.
Viola Park: Perhaps his greatest physical legacy is Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park, the world-class training center in Bagno a Ripoli. It is widely regarded as one of the most advanced sports complexes in Europe, housing all of the club's men’s, women’s, and youth teams.
Return to Europe: Under his stewardship, Fiorentina returned to European competition, reaching back-to-back UEFA Europa Conference League finals in 2023 and 2024.
Financial Stability: Commisso was a vocal critic of the "bottomless pit" of Italian football finances, consistently advocating for stricter enforcement of Financial Fair Play and investing nearly €1 billion of his own wealth to stabilize and grow the club.
From Calabria to the Bronx: A True American Dream
Commisso’s life was the epitome of the "Self-Made" story.
Born in Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, Calabria, he immigrated to the U.S. at age 12 with nothing but his family and his accordion.
He earned a full scholarship to Columbia University, where he became a star soccer player and captain, leading them to their first NCAA tournament.
He eventually founded Mediacom in his basement, building it into the 5th largest cable television provider in the United States.
Official Club Statement (Jan 17, 2026): "ACF Fiorentina is heartbroken to announce the loss of our President, Rocco B. Commisso. A man of immense heart, vision, and courage, Rocco didn't just buy a football club; he embraced a city. He gave Florence his passion, his resources, and his soul. We will continue his work with the same 'fast, fast, fast' spirit he instilled in us all."
What Happens Next?
The leadership of the club is expected to remain within the family and the existing board of directors in the short term.
Management: CEO Mark E. Stephan and General Manager Alessandro Ferrari are expected to oversee daily operations.
The Commisso Family: His son, Giuseppe B. Commisso, who is already a member of the board, is widely tipped to take a more prominent role in the club's governance.
The Verdict: Rocco Commisso was a polarising but undeniably impactful figure who dragged Fiorentina into the modern era. While he often clashed with local bureaucracy over stadium plans, his devotion to the club's infrastructure ensures that Fiorentina is in a far stronger position today than when he found it.