NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is the newest big name from the world of professional basketball that sees serious upside in investing millions in the long-term success of the MLS.
The MLS has been on a steady upswing for the last decade. The league continues to gain traction in the always-difficult North American market and is close to expanding to 30 teams in the near future. What once seemed like an impossible task is now very much possible, and soccer is finally a thing in the United States.
There is no better proof of relevancy than getting investments from millionaire athletes and celebrities. Well, on Thursday ESPN reported that Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, as well as his pro-basketball-playing brothers Thanasis and Kostas, have purchased a minority stake in Western Conference club Nashville SC.
Related: Soccer games today – Get start times for the next MLS, Liga MX, and EPL matches
However, he is not the only pro athlete that signed up with Nashville recently, because Filip Forsberg of the Nashville Predators also bought up stakes in the soccer team as well. The All-Star athletes join actress Reese Witherspoon, her husband Jim Toth, and Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry as celebrity minority owners in Nashville SC.
Giannis Antetokounmpo joins Kevin Durant and James Harden as owners of MLS teams
Giannis Antetokounmpo is not breaking any ground when it comes to NBA stars getting involved in the MLS. New Phoenix Suns talent Kevin Durant owns 5% of the Philadelphia Union, which he purchased in 2020, and Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden acquired 5% ownership in Houston Dynamo FC back in 2019.
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson also owns a stake in the Seattle Sounders FC MLS organization.
“My father was a professional soccer player, and it was the first sport I fell in love with in Greece. 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 Antetokounmpo said in a statement.
See exclusive Sportsnaut videos on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.