MLS side Nashville SC copies LAFC with Giannis Antetokounmpo move

02 March 2023 , 18:07

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Giannis Antetokounmpo has bought into Nashville SC along with his brothers (Image: Nashville SC)

Sporting stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Filip Forsberg have joined the likes of Reece Witherspoon by buying into Nashville SC's ownership group, as Major League Soccer sees more high profile names get involved.

MLS remains the fastest growing soccer league in the world, and some huge A-listers have bought into franchises in recent years. Actors Will Ferrell and Matthew McConaughey both earn shares in Austin FC and LAFC respectively, and even sporting stars such as Patrick Mahomes and James Harden have a stake in two other teams.

NBA great Antetokounmpo has joined the Nashville ownership group with brothers Thanasis, Kostas and Alex, and Forsberg has added to his legacy in the area by doing the same. Forsberg is the all-time leading goalscorer for Nashville Predators in the National Hockey League, and will now be involved with a different team within the city.

It's only Nashville's fourth season in MLS, after being founded back in 2017, but now Giannis, his brothers, and Forsberg have joined a growing list of celebrities to invest. Actor Reese Witherspoon and NFL star Derrick Henry previously joined businessman John Ingram as stakeholders in the franchise, and their ownership group has expanded again.

LAFC were the first MLS side to boast a star-studded celebrity ownership group, having joined the league back in 2018. Along with Ferrel, LAFC are also co-owned by NBA legend Magic Johnson, YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley, MLB icon Nomar Garciaparra, two-time World Cup champion Mia Hamm-Garciaparra and Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai.

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Giannis is a huge fan of soccer, and his father even played the sport professionally, even though he's managed to raise four basketball stars. "My father was a professional soccer player, and it was the first sport I fell in love with in Greece," said Giannis after buying into Nashville SC.

"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!"

And if Forsberg wasn't already a legend in his own right in the Nashville area, he certainly will be now after also joining the ownership group. "Nashville is the best sports city in the country, and I am extremely blessed to now be involved with two of our pro teams," said Forsberg.

Nashville got off to a great start on the opening weekend of the 2023 season, beating New York City FC 2-0 at GEODIS Park.

Joseph McBride