NBA star Antetokounmpo expands his business portfolio with purchase of minority stake in Nashville SC

Nigerian-Greek NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo is not slowing down on his investment drive since he purchased a stake in Major League Baseball side Milwaukee Brewers. 

The purchase made the two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) the first new individual investor added to the Brewers ownership group since Brewers Chairman and Principal Owner Mark Attanasio purchased a controlling interest in the Milwaukee Brewers in 2005.

The NBA star is now expanding his business portfolio. According to ESPN, the Milwaukee Bucks star has purchased a stake in Major League Soccer (MLS) club Nashville SC. He acquired the stake alongside his brothers and basketball players Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex.

“Soccer is a global sport, and our newest owners once again reinforce our club’s commitment to being a global team,” John Ingram, Nashville SC principal owner, said in a 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.”’

On his part, Thanasis Antetokounmpo told ESPN that, “[Nashville] seems like a special place; there’s so much that’s up-and-coming. And we kind of had the same journey as well. Like, we’ve really fought to be in the big leagues, to be there, to be acknowledged, and somebody came and gave us an opportunity. 

“And at the same time, for us to not only give the sport of soccer an opportunity to grow but [be known] overseas as well. I want people globally to know about Nashville and see the soccer team. So it’s a thing for us. It’s big.”

According to USA Today, the terms of the deal were not disclosed. However, Antetokounmpo’s latest investment pays tribute to his father Charles, who was a professional soccer player in Nigeria and Germany.

“My father was a professional soccer player, and it was the first sport I fell in love with in Greece,” Giannis Antetokounmpo said, according to ESPN.

“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!”

Founded in 2017, Nashville SC made its inaugural MLS season in 2020. The club has reportedly made an MLS playoff appearance each of its three years.