Giannis Antetokounmpo is a dominant force on the court, and now he’s shifting that power to the pitch.
Today it was announced that the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, and his brothers Thanasis, Kostas and Alex, joined the ownership group of MLS club, Nashville SC.
The Antetokounmpo joined the team’s ownership group that also features actor Reese Witherspoon and Tennessee Titans superstar Derrick Henry, who purchased a stake in April 2022.
“My father was a professional soccer player, and it was the first sport I fell in love with in Greece,” Giannis Antetokounmpo said in a statement. “I’ve always had the dream of owning a soccer team. When my brothers and I explored Nashville SC, we knew it was a team and a city that we wanted to get involved with. I couldn’t be more excited to join the Boys in Gold, and can’t wait to come to a match at GEODIS Park soon!”
Giannis becomes the latest NBA star to become an owner of an MLS franchise.
In 2019, James Harden purchased a 5% stake in the Houston Dynamo. A year later, Kevin Durant purchased a 5% stake in the Philadelphia Union.
Nashville SC joined the league in 2020 and have made the playoffs ever since. The team plays in Geodis Park, a new 30,000-seat, $275 million stadium built next to the historic Bristol Motor Speedway at the Nashville fairgrounds.
Having a star like Giannis as part of the ownership team gives Nashville more star power and a global presence, something not lost on principal owner, John Ingram.
“Soccer is a global sport, and our newest owners once again reinforce our club’s commitment to being a global team,” said Ingram statement. “Filip and Giannis are not just amazing athletes — they are ambassadors for their respective sports, role models for millions and advocates in their hometowns and worldwide. We share a common belief that our teams not only play to the highest standards, but also lift up their communities and help those who need it most.”
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