The Antetokounmpo brothers are entering the world of MLS, but not in the way that you might expect. Giannis and his brothers Kostas, Thanasis and Alex are not ready to step away from professional basketball just yet, but from a business standpoint, the family is expanding its portfolio as a part of an ownership group that is buying a stake in the MLS club, Nashville SC.
ESPN‘s Jeff Carlisle reports that Milwaukee Bucks superstar and Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg are part of a new set of minority investors that have acquired a stake in Nashville SC. In a statement, principal owner John Ingram said, “Soccer is a global sport, and our newest owners once again reinforce our club’s commitment to being a global 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.â€
The move for NBA players to become investors in MLS leagues has become a recently popular opportunity. Back in 2020, Kevin Durant purchased a 5% stake in the Philadelphia Union and James Harden acquired 5% of Houston Dynamo FC in 2019. On their decision to invest in Nashville FC, Thanasis revealed, “[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.â€
Giannis explained the brothers’ mutual love for the game of soccer, “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!—
In other sports news, Hypebeast Arabia tapped into the ever-growing skateboarding scene in Saudi Arabia.
