Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is purchasing a stake in the Milwaukee Brewers, the club announced on Friday. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman first reported the side were in talks about a “small stake” earlier in the day.
The reigning NBA champion and former MVP has talked at length about his love for the city and signed a supermax extension with the Bucks in December. His brother, Thanasis, re-signed on a two-year deal one week ago.
“The city of Milwaukee means so much to me,” Antetokounmpo, 26, said after the announcement. “I am honored to be joining the Brewers ownership group to further my commitment and dedication to this great community. I take great pride in my city and I’m excited about what we can build together.”
He said it was “unbelievable” and a “dream come true” to enter ownership. The two-time MVP said part of what prompted him to buy a stake was seeing how happy everyone was in the city after the Bucks won their first NBA title since 1971.
Antetokounmpo joins Brewers ownership
The Brewers announced a press conference for late Friday at American Family Field, where it was expected they would officially announce the news and did. Antetokounmpo, official nameplate and all, donned the jersey and was joined by New York investor Mark Attanasio, whose purchase of the team was approved in 2005.
The Brewers lead the NL Central by 8.5 games heading into Friday night when they host the Washington Nationals in a weekend series. They trail the Giant and Dodgers in National League standings.
Athletes buying stakes in professional teams
Antetokounmpo joins a growing list of athletes buying stakes in professional sports teams. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers joined the Brewers ownership group in 2017.
The most direct comparison is Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has entered into ownership groups in his small local market. He joined the Kansas City Royals ownership group last summer and became a part-owner of the MLS club Sporting Kansas City last month. His fiancée, Brittany Matthews, is a co-owner of the NWSL Kansas City club.
The NWSL has added a large number of athletes to its ownership ranks, including Serena Williams (Angel City FC, which has plenty of star power in the front offices), Naomi Osaka (North Carolina Courage) and Kendall Coyne Schofield (Chicago Red Stars).
Among other notable owners: Dwyane Wade holds ownership in the Utah Jazz, Renee Montgomery is a co-owner of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, Derek Jeter is a co-owner of the Florida Marlins and, of course, Michael Jordan owns the Charlotte Hornets.
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