Basketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is leading an investment group that has bought a minority stake in Nashville SC. The two-time National Basketball Association MVP and 2021 champion has teamed up with hockey’s Filip Forsberg in the move. Antetokounmpo’s brothers Thanasis, Kostas and Alex are also part of the group as well.

“My father was a professional soccer player and it was the first sport I fell in love with,” said Giannis. “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!”

Charles, the father of the Antetokounmpo brothers, played soccer professionally in Nigeria and Germany.

Forsberg is a hockey hero in Nashville

Forsberg is quite familiar with Nashville, as he has spent his entire National Hockey League career with the Predators. The Swede is also the team’s leading scorer in franchise history. “Nashville is the best sports city in the country, and I am extremely blessed to now be involved with two of our pro teams,” said Forsberg.

“Our city is one big family and fanbase, and we support each other on and off the field. Nashville SC has been such a great addition to our sports culture, and joining the ownership group was an opportunity I wasn’t going to pass up. I grew up a Liverpool FC fan in Sweden and after today I am happy to add a second set of colors to cheer for!”

Antetokounmpo join list of famous investors at Nashville SC

Majority owner John Ingram has been welcoming investors since establishing the team in 2017. Minnesota Vikings owners, the Wilf family, previously joined the team as minority investors as well. Actress Reese Witherspoon, her husband Jim Toth, and football star Derrick Henry have also become part-owners in recent years.

Nashville was initially awarded a Major League Soccer expansion franchise in 2017. The club then officially joined the top flight league three years later and has had success since.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

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