Giannis Antetokounmpo joins Chelsea FC Women’s ownership
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has expanded his growing sports investment portfolio by joining the ownership group of Chelsea FC Women, partnering with Alexis Ohanian as he continues his recovery from injury during the 2025–26 NBA season.
While his on-court season has been disrupted by injury, Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to make significant moves off the court.
The Milwaukee Bucks star has officially joined the ownership group of Chelsea FC Women, one of the most successful and valuable teams in women’s football. Giannis partnered with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian Sr., deepening his involvement in elite global sports organisations and further reinforcing his commitment to the growth of women’s sport.
Chelsea FC Women compete in the Women’s Super League (WSL), England’s top women’s division, and are widely regarded as one of the strongest teams in world football.
Bucks Season Context and Injury Update
The announcement comes during a challenging stretch for Giannis and the Bucks in the 2025–26 NBA season. Milwaukee entered their recent doubleheader against the Orlando Magic with a 21–29 record, though momentum has begun to build following a three-game winning streak capped by a victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Giannis has missed six consecutive games after suffering a right calf strain in a January 23 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Despite the setback, the two-time NBA MVP has remained elite when available, averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.
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Now in his 13th NBA season, Antetokounmpo has also been the subject of trade speculation, though Milwaukee appears focused on stabilising its campaign as he edges closer to a return.
Chelsea FC Women: A Strategic Investment
Chelsea FC Women are among the most prominent clubs in the women’s game, both competitively and commercially. The London-based side is valued at an estimated $250 million, ranking among the world’s most valuable women’s sports teams.
The club is currently owned by Todd Boehly and BlueCo, the American investment consortium that acquired Chelsea’s men’s team in 2022 before adding the women’s side two years later.
As of this season, Chelsea Women sit third in the WSL standings, firmly in contention for a seventh consecutive league title, further underlining the club’s sustained dominance.
Giannis’ Growing Sports Investment Portfolio
Chelsea FC Women become the fourth professional sports organisation Giannis Antetokounmpo has invested in, adding to an already diverse portfolio that includes:
- Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)
- Nashville SC (MLS)
- Los Angeles Golf Club (TGL)
In 2023, Giannis and his brothers, Alex, Kostas, and Thanasis — also became minority owners of Nashville SC, marking his first formal entry into football ownership. Like many European NBA stars, Antetokounmpo has long held a passion for football, shaped by his upbringing and family background.
Giannis’ statement on joining Chelsea FC Women
Announcing the move on Instagram, Antetokounmpo expressed pride in joining Chelsea’s ownership structure:
“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!”
His comments echo a growing trend among global athletes investing in women’s sports as both a social and commercial priority.
From Arsenal Fan to Chelsea Co-Owner
Interestingly, Giannis’ football allegiance has evolved over the years. Growing up, he was a self-confessed Arsenal fan, inspired by Thierry Henry and his father’s background as a footballer.
In 2020, he said: “My favourite team used to be Arsenal and my favourite player used to be Thierry Henry.” However, in a later conversation on X, Antetokounmpo admitted his fandom had shifted: “Back in the day Arsenal. Now probably Real Madrid.”
Now, as a Chelsea FC Women owner, his connection to English football has taken on a very different dimension.
What’s next for Giannis and the Bucks?
While Giannis remains sidelined for now, the Bucks will look to extend their resurgence when they face the Orlando Magic on the road. His return is expected in the coming weeks, with Milwaukee hoping their star forward can propel a late-season push.
Off the court, however, Antetokounmpo’s move into Chelsea FC Women ownership further cements his status as one of sport’s most forward-thinking global figures, blending elite performance, business acumen, and long-term legacy building
SportsLigue