Giannis Antetokounmpo Joins Kalshi as Shareholder

NBA star becomes first basketball player to invest in prediction market platform

Feb. 8, 2026 at 11:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has announced a partnership with Kalshi, a major prediction market platform, becoming the first basketball player to join the company as a shareholder. The deal includes Antetokounmpo's involvement in live events and marketing for Kalshi.

Why it matters

Antetokounmpo's investment in Kalshi highlights the growing popularity and influence of prediction markets, which allow traders to bet on the outcomes of future events. This partnership could help bring more mainstream attention to Kalshi and prediction markets in general.

The details

Kalshi said Antetokounmpo is the first basketball star to join the company as a shareholder. The partnership will include Antetokounmpo's help with live events and marketing. In the days leading up to the NBA trade deadline, Kalshi had several posts on X highlighting its event contracts on Antetokounmpo's trade market, with an estimated $23 million in contracts bought on his future before the deadline.

  • Antetokounmpo announced the partnership on February 8, 2026.
  • Antetokounmpo has not played since straining his right calf on January 23, 2026.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP and star player for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Kalshi

A major prediction market platform where traders can bet on the outcomes of future events.

Tarek Mansour

The CEO of Kalshi.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Giannis is a legend. He's exactly the type of long-term partner we want to align our growing brand with, and we couldn't be happier he's on board.”

— Tarek Mansour, CEO, Kalshi

“I love the Kalshi markets and have been checking them often recently. I like to win. It's clear to me Kalshi is going to be a winner and I'm excited to be getting involved.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo

What’s next

Kalshi said Antetokounmpo will be forbidden from trading on markets related to the NBA, and the company is seeking further details from the NBA about the partnership.

The takeaway

Giannis Antetokounmpo's investment in Kalshi, a leading prediction market platform, highlights the growing influence and mainstream appeal of these types of markets, particularly in the sports world.