NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo has announced that he has become a co-owner of Chelsea Women, joining an ownership group that includes Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
Antetokounmpo, who is Greek-Nigerian and plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, is the latest high-profile US-based sports figure to invest in British football. In recent years, American interest in the game has increased, with NFL great Tom Brady becoming a minority owner at Birmingham City in 2023. Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have also drawn attention after purchasing Wrexham in 2021 and guiding the Welsh club close to promotion to the Premier League.
The Bucks power forward and centre is not the first NBA player to invest in European football. LeBron James has held a minority stake in Liverpool since 2011, while Kevin Durant became a minority shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.
Ohanian, who last year acquired a 10 per cent stake in the reigning Women’s Super League champions, is married to former tennis star Sarina Williams.
Antetokounmpo confirmed his investment in a post on social media on Saturday, describing the move as a personal and professional milestone.
“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,” he said.
“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!”
Ohanian responded on X by sharing a photograph of a younger Antetokounmpo visiting Stamford Bridge’s home dressing room several years ago, adding: “Welcome home my friend!”
On the pitch, Chelsea Women have dominated domestically in recent seasons, winning six WSL titles in a row. However, they are currently 12 points behind league leaders Manchester City with eight matches left and look set to lose their crown.
Off the field, the west London club announced on Friday that head coach Sonia Bompastor has signed a contract extension keeping her at Chelsea until 2030.
