Kobe Bryant Reportedly Linked to Potential Sale of Bologna FC 1909

Kobe Bryant has made no secret of his affinity for world football, and he could have an ownership stake in a European club to show for it soon.

The Los Angeles Lakers guard has been linked to a group attempting to buy Italian club Bologna FC 1909 of Serie B, according to La Gazetta via Los Angeles Times' Eric Pincus. 

Per the report, the group is headed by well-known attorney Joe Tacopina and also includes Joey Saputo, owner of the MLS' Montreal Impact—so Bryant isn't the only one presumably with deep pockets in on the potential purchase.

Bryant's history in Italy goes as far back to his early childhood, when his family moved to Rieti, Italy as his father pursued a professional basketball career there. Amid rising to stardom in the United States, Bryant has never lost his strong childhood ties to Italy.

Also not lost in the potential deal is Bryant's love for the sport. From cameo appearances at the 2014 World Cup to visits to Bayern Munich friends last week, he's been around the pitch almost as much as he has been on the court this summer. Regular trips to Italy and to top European football matches have been a regular occurrence during Bryant's offseasons.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

In fact, the Black Mamba even told FIFA.com that world football—not basketball—was his favorite sport heading into the World Cup. 

Should the 36-year-old earn a partial ownership stake in the club, it's apparent that there is a long way to go. The franchise is in turmoil coming off the ownership of Albano Guaraldi, who is meeting with Tacopina next week to discuss a deal, per the report.

What's more is that Bologna FC—initially a founding club of Serie A—was relegated to the second division after finishing in 19th last season. They have gone back and forth between the two over the last decade, but the 2014-15 season has not gotten off to a promising start with four points through four matches.

After a career of big-money deals, endorsements and more, there's little doubt that the five-time NBA champion has accumulated enough wealth to put his name on an ownership stake. Only, it's not looking like it will be for a basketball team like conventional wisdom would suggest. 

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