Mike Repole: The Financial Force Behind St. John’s Basketball

NEW YORK — Entrepreneur Mike Repole has quickly become a pivotal figure in college basketball, particularly for the St. John's men’s basketball team, which finished the regular season with a remarkable record of 27-4. According to a report by Corey Kilgannon in the New York Times, Repole’s financial contributions are reshaping the landscape of college athletics.

Repole’s significant investment in St. John’s basketball comes after a previous falling-out with the school. His support played a crucial role in the hiring of head coach Rick Pitino, who took over the team before the start of last season. Under Pitino’s leadership, the team has seen increased performance and fan engagement, leading to packed home games at both Carnesecca Arena and Madison Square Garden.

“Between $3.5 million and $4 million has gone to pay players this year,” Pitino stated, indicating that St. John’s now boasts one of the top 20 highest Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payrolls in the country. This financial backing is enabling the program to compete with collegiate basketball powerhouses that have traditionally dominated recruitment and performance.

Beyond basketball, Repole has also contributed millions to various nonathletic causes at St. John’s, enhancing his profile as a key benefactor. His companies’ products are prominently advertised during games, further integrating his influence into the St. John’s community.

Repole appears to embrace his role as the “super-booster” for the Red Storm. In a candid remark, Pitino disclosed his discussions with St. John’s officials about the necessity of Repole’s support in attracting top transfer players. “He was going to be 50 percent of our NIL money. Without Mike Repole, we did not have the funds to do what we wanted,” Pitino emphasized, highlighting the critical nature of Repole’s contributions.

As college sports continue to evolve with the influence of financial backing and NIL deals, the case of Mike Repole serves as a striking example of how individual donors can reshape the future of athletic programs. His involvement may not only bolster the current team but also set a precedent for future fundraising efforts across collegiate sports.