Mark Consuelos opens up about football ownership as ‘Running with the Wolves’ premieres July 29
"This has been an incredible experience, but also a lot of pressure," he says as the new ESPN Original Series details the Live with Kelly and Mark star's dive into Italian pro soccer
Premiering July 29 on ESPN and ESPN+, Running with the Wolves follows Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa as they take on one of their most unexpected real-life roles yet — football club owners in southern Italy.
The four-part ESPN Original Series dives into the couple’s journey with Campobasso FC, a team with a passionate fanbase and a storied past. Consuelos — best known for his acting career and co-hosting Live with Kelly and Mark — goes all in, from middle-of-the-night coaching calls to on-the-ground strategy sessions.
With unprecedented access to the club, the series captures the raw emotion of wins, losses, and everything in between, while painting a portrait of a small Italian town rediscovering its pride.
Consuelos tells Front Row about the passion behind the project, the realities of ownership and what he hopes audiences take away from the team’s remarkable journey.
What was it about this team and city that made you believe in its potential?
Campobasso has a rich history with football, and they have some of the most passionate fans I’ve ever met. It’s also one of those rare places in Italy that still feels untouched by tourism, which gives it that timeless, countryside charm that reminds me of my childhood. Our goal was simple: Give the team the resources and support they need to succeed. Seeing the community rally around the club again has been incredibly rewarding.
How has your relationship with the game evolved through this experience?
This has been an incredible experience, but also a lot of pressure. Kelly will tell you how all-in I’ve been, from 3 a.m. calls with coaches to picking players and even meeting with fans face-to-face. It’s given me a whole new appreciation for what it takes to run and grow a club. I played football growing up and in college, but this ownership role has completely changed my perspective. Alongside our partner Matt Rizzetta, we feel a real responsibility to this region and its fans to keep pushing the team forward.
How do you support players?
The key is creating the right environment for these players to thrive —starting with a strong coach who can inspire and lead. In the series, you see us make some tough calls, including parting ways with our coach. It wasn’t easy, but it was all about doing what’s best for the players and building the most cohesive, competitive team possible.
(Al Drago/ABC)
The cameras catch everything — tension, frustration, even doubt. Why was it important for you to show that side of ownership?
This was not a silent partnership for me – I always knew I was going to be really involved because I’m so passionate about football and about this team. I wanted people to see how much our ownership team cared and that we were willing to do whatever it took.
What do you hope viewers take away from Running with the Wolves?
I hope that they see it as an underdog story, and a community story. It’s really a tale of a region learning to trust a bunch of crazy Americans who came in and bought their team. It was us building trust with the community and vice versa, celebrating together and mourning our losses together. This series is a testament to the power of the sport of football and the beauty of Italy, and the ability of sports to unite and energize a region.
