Nashville SC

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Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brothers Thanasis, Kostas, Alex Buy Stake in MLS' Nashville SC

Mar 2, 2023
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 18: Alex Antetokounmpo #29 of the Wisconsin Herd, Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Thanasis Antetokounmpo #43 of the Milwaukee Bucks pose for a portrait during the Kia Skills Challenge as part of 2023 NBA All Star Weekend on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 18: Alex Antetokounmpo #29 of the Wisconsin Herd, Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Thanasis Antetokounmpo #43 of the Milwaukee Bucks pose for a portrait during the Kia Skills Challenge as part of 2023 NBA All Star Weekend on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Antetokounmpo family is going into business together as part of an ownership group buying a stake in Major League Soccer club Nashville SC.

Per ESPN's Jeff Carlisle, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, as well as his brothers, Thanasis, Kostas and Alex, are part of a set of minority investors who purchased a stake in the franchise.

Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg is also in the group.

John Ingram, Nashville SC principal owner, issued a statement about the new investors:

"Soccer is a global sport, and our newest owners once again reinforce our club's commitment to being a global team. 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."

Giannis has been increasing his investment portfolio. The two-time NBA MVP made his first startup investment in Ready Nutrition in 2020. He launched Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equity Funds in February.

Ingram has been the majority owner of the club since it was founded in 2017. The 60-year-old has brought on an impressive group of minority investors recently.

Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry and Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon bought a stake in Nashville SC last year.

MLS teams have become a go-to investment opportunity for several high-profile athletes. Kevin Durant has a five percent stake in the Philadelphia Union with the option to purchase another five percent stake in the future.

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, Grammy Award-winner Ciara, joined the Seattle Sounders' ownership group in 2019.

In a Zoom call with Carlisle, Thanasis explained they were drawn to Nashville as a "special place" that reminded them of their journeys to make it big.

"Like, we've really fought to be in the big leagues, to be there, to be acknowledged, and somebody came and gave us an opportunity," Thansis said. "And at the same time, for us to not only give the sport of soccer an opportunity to grow, but [be known] overseas as well. I want people globally to know about Nashville, and see the soccer team. So it's a thing for us. It's big."

Carlisle noted the Antetokounmpo brothers have a connection to soccer because their father, Charles, played the sport professionally in Nigeria and Germany.

Thanasis told Carlisle their investment in Nashville SC is a way to honor the memory of their father, who died in 2017.

Nashville SC just began its fourth MLS season with a victory over New York City FC on Feb. 25. The club finished fifth in the Western Conference, but lost to the LA Galaxy in the first round of the playoffs last season.

Nashville SC Exits MLS Is Back Tournament Amid Positive COVID-19 Tests

Jul 9, 2020
NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 29:  Detail view of a Nashville SC scarf held by a fan before the match against the Atlanta United at Nissan Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 29: Detail view of a Nashville SC scarf held by a fan before the match against the Atlanta United at Nissan Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

Nashville SC has opted out of the MLS Is Back tournament because of multiple positive COVID-19 tests within its traveling party.

The club confirmed the news after its exit was first reported by The Athletic:

"Nashville SC arrived in Orlando, Fla. on July 1, having taken all the necessary steps and following all the mandated protocols established by the league as well as local and national health authorities to minimize the risk and exposure to the virus. Despite the precautions, one player tested positive upon arrival at the host hotel, and another eight Nashville SC players tested positive upon a few days of arrival.

"Following daily testing of players and staff during the past nine days, it was determined that the club would not be medically cleared to get sufficient training before their next match. As a result, it was decided that it would be in the best interest of the health and safety of the players, the staff and the rest of the league that Nashville SC does not participate in the tournament."

MLS announced it was postponing the team's Wednesday matchup with the Chicago Fire after Nashville SC had five players test positive. The Athletic's Sam Stejskal reported that four more players had since tested positive.

FC Dallas has already withdrawn from the tournament after having 10 players and one member of the coaching staff test positive.

Like the WNBA and NBA, MLS has shifted its operations to Florida temporarily during the coronavirus pandemic. The league brought all 26 teams to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Florida, for a one-off tournament ahead of restarting the 2020 season.

The developments with Nashville SC and FC Dallas have illustrated the pitfalls of forging ahead with sports, especially in a state that has been hit hard amid the pandemic's surge in recent weeks.

Nashville was placed into Group A when MLS set the tournament field. To account for the club's withdrawal, the league is planning to move the Chicago Fire into Group B, which was down to three teams without FC Dallas, per Stejskal.