Giannis Antetokounmpo announces ownership stake in Milwaukee Brewers

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has purchased a stake in the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Brewers made the announcement in a social media post and during a press conference Friday.

Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio and Antetokounmpo said they finished the agreement last May. Antetokounmpo said he and the Brewers didn't reveal the deal at the time because they didn’t want to distract the Bucks’ playoff run and the beginning of the Brewers’ season.

Antetokounmpo said he began thinking about getting involved in the ownership of a franchise in 2020, while playing in the NBA "bubble."

“I always wanted to be a basketball player. I worked extremely hard to achieve that, but sometimes when you think about what’s next?” Antetokounmpo said.

Plans to join ownership of a soccer club in Europe also came to mind, but Antetokounmpo chose Milwaukee.

“There was a lot of ideas on the table. There was an idea to own a soccer team in Europe. I said no. I want to be a part of the Milwaukee Brewers if that’s possible," he explained.

Fans said they're excited to hear the news.

“He has a little money now and he wants to stay in Milwaukee, so I think it’s fantastic he becomes part of the ownership," said Jeff Boos.

“To have someone like Giannis come in and say I’m gonna be a part of this family. We’re gonna keep it close. It’s a big deal for everybody," said Kay Mareno.

Giannis is the first person added to the Brewers minority ownership group in 17 years.

“We are honored to have Giannis join our team of Milwaukee Brewers investors,” Attanasio said in a statement Friday. “Giannis is a great athlete, a world champion, and a true local hero with international renown.”

TMJ4

“The city of Milwaukee means so much to me,” Antetokounmpo said in the statement. “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.”

The Green Bay Packers' star Aaron Rodgers currently owns a stake in the Bucks. ESPN's Jeff Passan pointed out Friday that Antetokounmpo's buy follows the model set by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes: a small-market star investing in local franchises. Mahomes did just that by purchasing a small stake in the Kansas City Royals baseball team.

TMJ4 social media coverage of the announcement:

Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip