Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Sports Empire Is Only Getting Bigger

  • NBA superstar’s investment in TGL team expands business portfolio
  • Rising interest in off-court activities arrives as long-term status with Bucks becomes uncertain
Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term NBA future may be newly uncertain, but in the meantime the two-time MVP continues to expand his business empire.

The Milwaukee Bucks star recently told the New York Times he doesn’t “want to be 20 years on the same [team]” without winning another championship, sparking a frenzy of potential trade talk. But amid the speculation, Antetokounmpo made another off-court investment by acquiring a stake in Los Angeles Golf Club this week.

LAGC — which also counts as co-owners tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams and Serena’s husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian — was the first announced team in TGL, the startup golf league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy that will begin play in January.

Expanding Sports Portfolio

For Antetokounmpo, the investments add to a burgeoning portfolio that also includes equity stakes in MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers, MLS’ Nashville FC, and a partnership with global investment firm Calamos Investments. With his brothers, Antetokounmpo recently formed Ante, Inc. to house their various investments and business relationships on which he serves as co-founder and chair.

Giannis’ activity, similar to that of other NBA superstars such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, reflects a heightened interest in business investments over the past three years. 

“From 2020 to 2023, people think I’ve taken a large jump on the basketball court, but I think I’ve taken [a] 10X jump off the court,” Antetokounmpo said to the Times.

Antetokounmpo is under contract for the next two seasons with a player option for 2025-26. He will be eligible to sign a three-year, $173 million extension with the Bucks beginning Sept. 22 but has signaled he won’t — at least not yet.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 19, 2022; Scottsdale, AZ, United States; Victor Evans (26) jumps to dunk the ball at Victorium. Basketball Big3 Tryouts

Big3 Fights Lawsuit Over NFTs Amid Plans to Go Public

A Big3 representative says the case is a “classic nuisance suit.”
Aksha Bhatia, Max Homa, and Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links before a TGL match against New York Golf Club at SoFi Center on January 13, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Versant Buys Woods-Backed Golf Simulator Company for $530M

Full Swing is the predominant technology used by TGL.
Apr 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; President Donald Trump and his son, Eric Trump, drive in a golf cart after he arrived on Marine One at the LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.

Trump’s Golf Businesses Netted Nearly $395M in Income in 2025

The biggest moneymaker was $121.8 million from Trump National Doral.
Kalshi's logo is displayed on a smartphone placed on a reflective surface onto which a betting curve is projected in Creteil, France, on March 9, 2026, during a major scandal and a $54 million lawsuit concerning bets related to recent strikes in Iran. (Photo by Samuel Boivin/NurPhoto)NO USE FRANCE

Kalshi’s Tarek Mansour Talks Giannis, Don Jr., Supreme Court

The Kalshi cofounder discussed critics, CFTC rulemaking, and more.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/22/26 – World Cup Final Ratings, ESPN Layoffs, LeBron Waits, WFAN to SiriusXM

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.

Jonathan Vaughters Defends Late-Night Tour de France Drug Tests 

“Do you want the appearance of clean, or do you want clean and fair?”
kyle rudolph
July 22, 2026

Former Viking Kyle Rudolph: Private Equity ‘Great’ for the NFL

Private equity makes “these assets a little more liquid.”
July 22, 2026

Jake Paul Responds to Critics: ‘I Brought Boxing to Netflix’

Paul believes the Tyson fight’s Netflix audience will never be matched.
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
July 21, 2026

Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu Skipping WNBA 3-Point Contest

Only two 2026 WNBA All-Stars are participating.
July 21, 2026

Late-Night Drug Tests Spark Backlash, Intrigue at Tour de France

Riders are pushing back on rare overnight anti-doping tests.
July 20, 2026

Why WNBA Union Won’t Monetize Viral Sophie Cunningham Incident  

Cunningham can still use her own NIL to license the image.