Giannis Antetokounmpo joins Kalshi as a shareholder
Giannis Antetokounmpo has officially turned the tables on the speculation economy. Just days after his future with the Milwaukee Bucks dominated the rumor mill leading up to the NBA trade deadline, the two-time MVP announced a strategic pivot from being the subject of market fluctuation to becoming a market mover himself.
On Friday, Antetokounmpo revealed he has joined Kalshi, the federally regulated prediction market exchange, as a shareholder. The move makes him the first active NBA player to take a direct equity stake in the platform. Through his holding company, Ante Inc., the "Greek Freak" has acquired a minority stake—reportedly less than 1%—aligning with the NBA’s latest Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which permits players to hold passive investments in sports betting and fantasy sports companies under strict caps.
"The internet is full of opinions. I decided it was time to make some of my own," Antetokounmpo stated regarding the partnership. "It’s clear to me Kalshi is going to be a winner and I’m excited to be getting involved."
The timing of the deal is particularly ironic. In the week prior to the February 5 trade deadline, Kalshi saw an estimated $23 million in trading volume specifically on contracts regarding Antetokounmpo’s team status. While the Bucks ultimately retained their superstar, the frenzy highlighted the massive consumer appetite for financialized sports narratives—a wave Antetokounmpo is now riding as an investor rather than just a participant.
However, this partnership comes with significant regulatory guardrails to preserve league integrity. Kalshi confirmed that Antetokounmpo is strictly forbidden from trading on any NBA-related markets. This "firewall" is essential to comply with both Kalshi’s insider trading policies and NBA league rules.
Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour called the partnership a alignment with a "legend," noting that Antetokounmpo will assist with marketing and live events. This investment expands an increasingly diverse portfolio for the Bucks star, who also holds stakes in the Milwaukee Brewers, Nashville SC, and recently, Chelsea FC Women, solidifying his status as a burgeoning tycoon in the global sports business landscape.
On Friday, Antetokounmpo revealed he has joined Kalshi, the federally regulated prediction market exchange, as a shareholder. The move makes him the first active NBA player to take a direct equity stake in the platform. Through his holding company, Ante Inc., the "Greek Freak" has acquired a minority stake—reportedly less than 1%—aligning with the NBA’s latest Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which permits players to hold passive investments in sports betting and fantasy sports companies under strict caps.
"The internet is full of opinions. I decided it was time to make some of my own," Antetokounmpo stated regarding the partnership. "It’s clear to me Kalshi is going to be a winner and I’m excited to be getting involved."
The timing of the deal is particularly ironic. In the week prior to the February 5 trade deadline, Kalshi saw an estimated $23 million in trading volume specifically on contracts regarding Antetokounmpo’s team status. While the Bucks ultimately retained their superstar, the frenzy highlighted the massive consumer appetite for financialized sports narratives—a wave Antetokounmpo is now riding as an investor rather than just a participant.
However, this partnership comes with significant regulatory guardrails to preserve league integrity. Kalshi confirmed that Antetokounmpo is strictly forbidden from trading on any NBA-related markets. This "firewall" is essential to comply with both Kalshi’s insider trading policies and NBA league rules.
Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour called the partnership a alignment with a "legend," noting that Antetokounmpo will assist with marketing and live events. This investment expands an increasingly diverse portfolio for the Bucks star, who also holds stakes in the Milwaukee Brewers, Nashville SC, and recently, Chelsea FC Women, solidifying his status as a burgeoning tycoon in the global sports business landscape.
