NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has officially entered the world of football ownership by joining the ownership group of Chelsea Women. The Milwaukee Bucks forward is partnering with Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, who previously acquired a 10% stake in the reigning Women’s Super League (WSL) champions for approximately £20 million ($27.2m).
A Vision for Growth in Women’s Sport
The 31-year-old “Greek Freak” shared his excitement on X (formerly Twitter), posting a photo of himself in a Chelsea shirt. Antetokounmpo emphasized his honor in joining a “historic club built on passion, excellence, and a winning culture.” He stated that his goal is to support the continued growth of women’s sports, focusing on ambition, legacy, and pushing the game to new heights.
Expanding the NBA-to-Football Pipeline
Antetokounmpo’s move follows a growing trend of NBA legends investing in major football clubs. He joins the likes of LeBron James, who holds a stake in Liverpool and AC Milan, and Kevin Durant, who recently became a minority shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain. While Chelsea confirmed the partnership, they have not yet disclosed the specific size of Giannis’s stake or the current valuation of the team.
The Most Successful Club in WSL History
Chelsea Women remain the dominant force in English football, having won the league title for the past six consecutive years. Despite currently sitting third in the table—12 points behind Manchester City—the club continues to secure its long-term future. This ownership announcement comes on the heels of head coach Sonia Bompastor extending her contract with the Blues until 2030.