Giannis Antetokounmpo And His Brothers Become Minority Investors In Major League Soccer Club Nashville SC

According to the newspaper, the family investment honors their late father Charles, who played professionally 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 the outlet. “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!”

“I know he’ll be so proud of us today, that this is happening,” Thanasis chimed in and told ESPN. “It’s not just the investment part of it. There’s a part of it that’s a legacy, that for us, it’s for generations to come that we’re part of this.”

“I want people globally to know about Nashville and see the soccer team. So it’s a thing for us. It’s big,” he added.

“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 in a statement, per the outlet. “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.”

The league has seen a trend of pro players investing in its teams, which has continued with the recent addition of new investors.

Kevin Durant purchased a 5% share in the Philadelphia Union in 2020, as previously reported. According to ESPN, James Harden purchased 5% of the Houston Dynamo FC in 2019.

Previously, the Seattle Sounders FC welcomed Russell Wilson as a shareholder, according to the publication.