Billionaire Mike Repole asks St. John's fans to help with NIL contributions, too
St. John's alumnus Mike Repole looks on during morning workouts ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. Credit: Getty Images/Michael Reaves
WASHINGTON — Mike Repole cheered his heart out for St. John’s from the first row across from the Red Storm bench on Friday night as they took overall No. 1 seed Duke to the wire before falling, 80-75, in an NCAA Tournament East Regional semifinal at Capital One Arena.
On Saturday morning, the billionaire alumnus, entrepreneur and ardent Red Storm supporter took to social media asking fans to join him in supporting the program with their NIL dollars.
“What an amazing year, what an amazing . . . last two years and what a great six weeks this has been,” Repole said in the social media post. “I’m really excited not only for this year, but also next year. I’ve already committed my pledge to [AD] Ed Kull and the athletic department and Rick Pitino and the team for next year.
“We don’t want this to be a one- or two-year thing. We want to build a dynasty over here for the next 5 to 10 years.”
Pitino said earlier this season that Repole’s support for the basketball program represents approximately 40% of the NIL money it uses in building its roster. With each season requiring more for programs to remain among the nation’s best, which St. John’s now is, Repole sought to bolster the effort.
“[They] need not only my help, but everybody’s help,” he said. “So whether you’re donating $1, $5, $50 or $250, every amount counts . . . You guys know you have my word. I will always do my part. But now we just need everyone just to chip in a little bit more.
“So if you’re enjoying this incredible run, whether you’ve been a St. John’s fan for the last 25 years or the last five years or the last five months, we can all use your help . . . Let’s make the feelings that we’ve had the last two years a normal feeling.”
Roger Rubin returned to Newsday in 2018 to write about high schools, colleges and baseball following 20 years at the Daily News. A Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2011, he has covered 13 MLB postseasons and 14 NCAA Final Fours.
