MLS side Nashville SC copies LAFC with Giannis Antetokounmpo move

519     0
Giannis Antetokounmpo has bought into Nashville SC along with his brothers (Image: Nashville SC)
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.

LeBron James edges closer to NBA scoring record with jaw-dropping Lakers display eiqtiddhittinvLeBron James edges closer to NBA scoring record with jaw-dropping Lakers display

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

Ice hockey, Basketball, New York City FC, National Hockey League, Nashville Predators, Major League Soccer, NFL, NBA, Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon, Matthew McConaughey, James Harden

Read more similar news:

01.02.2023, 14:08 • Sport
New England Patriots send classy tweet as Tom Brady retires from NFL for good
02.02.2023, 23:12 • Sport
MLS side LAFC worth more than 14 Premier League sides after $1bn valuation
03.02.2023, 14:02 • Sport
Los Angeles Lakers tickets hit £75,000 as LeBron James nears NBA scoring record
03.02.2023, 15:41 • Investigation
Scottie Pippen's ex goes official with Michael Jordan's son and makes savage dig
03.02.2023, 16:21 • Sport
NBA clash marred by wild brawl as Donovan Mitchell ejected in ugly scenes
03.02.2023, 19:04 • Sport
Kyrie Irving demands trade before deadline as Brooklyn Nets left scrambling
03.02.2023, 20:14 • Sport
NBA star Kyrie Irving red-faced over Brooklyn Nets comments after trade request
03.02.2023, 22:58 • Sport
LeBron James breaks silence on Kyrie Irving trade demand as Lakers interested
04.02.2023, 11:56 • Sport
Punches thrown and 5 players ejected in NBA scrap between Timberwolves and Magic
05.02.2023, 01:40 • News
Maya Jama's ex-fiancé 'moves on with Hollywood actress' and wants $1m ring back