Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bicks and Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg are part of a new set of minority investors who have acquired a stake in Major League Soccer side Nashville SC, ESPN reported Thursday.
Three of Antetokounmpo’s basketball-playing brothers — teammate Thanasis; Kostas, who plays in Turkey; and G-League player Alex — are also part of the investment group.
Their father Charles and oldest brother Francis played soccer professionally.
“I know he’ll be so proud of us today, that this is happening,” Thanasis said about his father in a call with 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.”
“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. “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.”
Nashville SC already boasts several high-profile investors, including Reese Witherspoon and her husband, Jim Toth, as well as Tennessee running back Derrick Henry.
Nashville beat New York City FC 2-0 at home on opening weekend and will travel to Harrison, New Jersey, to face the Red Bull New York on March 4.
