NBA Star Antetokounmpo Tries His (Money) Hand At Soccer With MLS Investment
Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 09:24PM By Barry Janoff
March 2, 2023: NBA champion and two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo knows his way around a basketball court.
Now he is trying his hand at soccer.
Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Antetokounmpo is part of a group that has acquired minority ownership in the MLS Nashville Soccer Club, along with NHL Nashville Predator’s Filip Forsberg and Antetokounmpo’s brothers, Thanasis, Kostas and Alex.
The club, now in its fourth MLS season, also has minority owners that include actress Reese Witherspoon, her husband Jim Toth and NFL running back Derrick Henry.
The club did not disclose financial details.
"Soccer is a global sport, and our newest owners once again reinforce our club's commitment to being a global team," principal owner John Ingram said via the team.
"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."
Antetokounmpo joins other NBA stars who have invested in MLS, including Kevin Durant (Philadelphia Union) and James Harden (Houston Dynamo FC), as well as Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (Seattle Sounders FC).
For Giannis, the investment was organic.
“My father was a professional soccer player, and it was the first sport I fell in love with in Greece,” he said via the club.
“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.”
For Forsberg, the investment was a way to support the city of Nashville.
“Nashville is
Photo: Bucks the best sports city in the country, and I am extremely blessed to now be involved with two of our pro teams,” said Forsberg via the club.
“Our city is one big family and fanbase, and we support each other on and off the field. Nashville SC has been such a great addition to our sports culture, and joining the ownership group was an opportunity I wasn’t going to pass up.”
And, like, Giannis, Forsberg has a strong tie to soccer. “I grew up a Liverpool FC fan in Sweden, and after today I am happy to add a second set of colors to cheer for!”