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Mike Repole, the United Football League co‑owner and a major donor to St. John’s athletic programs, has become the school’s most prominent backer of NIL deals — and he teased that he might step in more directly if the men’s basketball team doesn’t soon deliver results.
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In an interview with Front Office Sports, Repole joked about the state of St. John’s basketball under coach Rick Pitino. “I told Rick, with the team we got this year, I might coach the team the year after if we can’t get this team to the Final Four,” Repole said, adding with a laugh that he could “save money on his salary, maybe get another player.”
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The two men have a long personal connection through horse ownership, Repole noted, and Pitino’s 2023 hiring helped mend a public rift that occurred a few years earlier. Repole praised Pitino’s vigor, saying the coach “has got more energy and passion at 74 than most people have at 34.”
A seven‑figure commitment and a matching initiative
Repole has directed seven‑figure funds toward St. John’s NIL program. In March, the university announced a matching arrangement tied to the Red Storm Legacy Investment Fund: Repole pledged to contribute $100,000 for every 100 donors to that effort, which the school describes as designed to expand its revenue‑sharing capacity.
When asked whether he planned to increase his overall financial support, Repole did not specify future amounts. “It’s a lot,” he said. “You know why? Because it changes every day.”
More games at Madison Square Garden
This season St. John’s will play 15 home games at Madison Square Garden, including two exhibitions — the most Garden appearances for the program since at least 1968. Those 15 matchups do not include any potential Big East Tournament games. By contrast, the team will play just six games at Carnesecca Arena, the on‑campus venue that seats 5,260.
Repole described the atmosphere at MSG as unrivaled when the home teams are winning. “Watching Madison Square Garden packed with 18,500 fans is so exciting,” he said. “When St. John’s or the Knicks are winning at Madison Square Garden man, it’s a special place.”
He framed his support as hometown loyalty. “I’m always gonna be Mike from Queens,” Repole said, and recalled his own St. John’s experience — a reported 2.2 GPA and a five‑year sports management degree — in a self‑deprecating aside.
On rule changes and the future of college sports
Repole weighed in on broader policy debates affecting college athletics. He noted that the Big East remains among the few conferences that has not adopted a rule preventing players who signed professional contracts from returning to college play. All four power conferences have enacted such policies, and the Protect College Sports Act would codify those approaches if it becomes law.
He argued the system needs balance. “It was so one‑sided for 40 years, players playing for a scholarship, and they should’ve been paid,” Repole said. “And now the last three years it’s just swung 100% the other way.”
Repole suggested policy changes to reduce churn and protect players’ choices, mentioning ideas such as multiyear agreements between athletes and programs and limits on the number of transfers. He acknowledged that players deserve compensation but said the sport also needs “some boundaries and rules and regulations.” “Do I think players should get paid? Yes,” he added.
