Rocco Benito Commisso, the Italian-American businessman best known as the founder and longtime CEO of Mediacom and owner of both ACF Fiorentina and the New York Cosmos, has died at the age of 76, his family and club announced on January 16, 2026.
Commisso’s death followed a prolonged period of medical treatment, according to statements from Mediacom, the cable communications company he built from the ground up into one of the United States’ largest providers.
From Calabria to International Sports Owner
Born in Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, Italy, Commisso emigrated to the United States with his family at age 12. He went on to attend Columbia University on a full scholarship, where he earned both a bachelor’s and an MBA and played varsity soccer — foreshadowing his lifelong love of the sport.
In 1995, Commisso founded Mediacom Communications Corporation, transforming it into the fifth-largest cable operator in the U.S., serving millions of customers across 22 states before taking the company private in 2011.
A Global Soccer Journey
Commisso’s impact on soccer began in the United States with the New York Cosmos, a historic name in American soccer. He became majority owner in 2017 and later expanded his involvement globally by purchasing Serie A side ACF Fiorentina in June 2019, returning the historic Italian club to new ownership after years under the Della Valle family.
Under his leadership in Florence, Fiorentina reached two UEFA Conference League finals and a Coppa Italia final, and made significant investments in long-term infrastructure, most notably the state-of-the-art Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park, which became the permanent training center for all club teams, from the men’s first squad to youth and women’s sides.
Legacy and Impact
Fiorentina’s official club statement reflected the deep connection Commisso had with the club and its supporters, noting his unwavering dedication to both the sporting and community aspects of the organization. “His love for Fiorentina was the greatest gift he gave himself,” the club wrote, highlighting how he remained involved “until his final days.”
Commisso’s influence extended beyond soccer. His personal story — from immigrant roots to billionaire entrepreneur and global sports figure — exemplified a model of American success rooted in ambition and deep cultural ties to both countries he called home.
Family and Survivors
He is survived by his wife, Catherine Commisso, their two children, Giuseppe and Marisa, and his sisters Italia and Raffaelina. The family’s announcement noted their profound sorrow at his passing and thanked fans and colleagues for their support.
Fiorentina’s upcoming fixtures are expected to proceed under the cloud of his loss, and tributes from fans around the world have poured in, underscoring the unique mark he left on both American and Italian soccer.