Giannis Antetokounmpo Joins Ownership Group of Chelsea Women's Soccer Club

The NBA star expands his sports portfolio beyond basketball, partnering with entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has announced that he is joining the ownership group of Chelsea Women's Soccer Club, a historic club known for its passion, excellence, and winning culture. This move marks Antetokounmpo's latest foray into the world of soccer, as he previously became a minority investor in Major League Soccer's Nashville SC in 2023. The two-time NBA MVP expressed his excitement about contributing to the future growth and impact of women's soccer through this new partnership.

Why it matters

Antetokounmpo's investment in Chelsea Women's Soccer Club is a significant step in his efforts to diversify his sports portfolio beyond basketball. This move aligns with a growing trend of NBA stars, such as LeBron James, investing in soccer clubs around the world. It also highlights Antetokounmpo's desire to support the continued growth and development of women's sports, which has gained more attention and investment in recent years.

The details

Giannis Antetokounmpo announced his partnership with entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian to join the ownership group of Chelsea Women's Soccer Club. This is not Antetokounmpo's first foray into the soccer world, as he previously became a minority investor in Major League Soccer's Nashville SC in 2023, along with his brothers and Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg. Antetokounmpo has cited his father's background as a professional soccer player as the inspiration for his interest in the sport.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo announced his partnership with Chelsea Women's Soccer Club on February 8, 2026.
  • In 2023, Antetokounmpo became a minority investor in Major League Soccer's Nashville SC.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP and star player for the Milwaukee Bucks, who is expanding his sports portfolio beyond basketball.

Alexis Ohanian

An entrepreneur who is partnering with Antetokounmpo to join the ownership group of Chelsea Women's Soccer Club.

Chelsea Women's Soccer Club

A historic soccer club known for its passion, excellence, and winning culture, which Antetokounmpo and Ohanian are joining as new owners.

Nashville SC

A Major League Soccer team that Antetokounmpo and his brothers, along with Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg, became minority investors in back in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“I'm proud and honored to partner with my friend @alexisohanian, joining the ownership group of @ChelseaFCW, a historic club built on passion, excellence, and a winning culture. Chelsea's history speaks for itself, and I'm excited to contribute to the future by supporting continued growth and impact in women's sport. This is about ambition, legacy, and pushing the game to new heights. Up the Chels!”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (Twitter)

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

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (ESPN)

What’s next

Antetokounmpo and Ohanian will work to support the continued growth and impact of Chelsea Women's Soccer Club, leveraging their expertise and resources to help the team achieve new heights.

The takeaway

Giannis Antetokounmpo's investment in Chelsea Women's Soccer Club demonstrates his commitment to diversifying his sports portfolio and supporting the development of women's sports. This move aligns with a broader trend of NBA stars expanding their influence beyond basketball, using their platform to drive positive change in the world of sports.