NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo is buying into the women's soccer game, with the Milwaukee Bucks forward purchasing a stake in reigning six-time WSL champion Chelsea FC over the weekend.
The 2021 NBA champion and two-time MVP joins an investment group that includes Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian — husband of tennis legend Serena Williams — after Ohanian purchased a 10% stake in the top-flight UK club last year.
Calling Chelsea FC "a historic club built on passion, excellence, and a winning culture," Antetokounmpo wrote on social media that the team's "history speaks for itself."
"I'm excited to contribute to the future by supporting continued growth and impact in women's sport," the 31-year-old said in his Saturday announcement. "This is about ambition, legacy, and pushing the game to new heights. Up the Chels!"
Blues double down on Bompastor
While Antetokounmpo was buying into Chelsea, the WSL powerhouse made an investment of their own, extending manager Sonia Bompastor's contract until 2030.
Bompastor had an "immediate and significant" impact on Blues, leading Chelsea to a domestic treble in her debut WSL season, with sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley saying in last week's club statement that "renewing her contract reflects our belief in her leadership, her vision, and the stability she brings to the club."
Given that Paul Green exited the club after 13 years as the head of women's football on Monday, the front office will hope that Bompastor's "stability" can lead the third-place Blues up the 2025/26 WSL table, where Chelsea currently sits nine points behind league leaders Manchester City.
How to watch Chelsea FC in 2025/26 WSL play
Now entering the final third of the 2025/26 WSL season, the Blues will look to make up ground with a win over No. 11 Liverpool on Sunday.
The clash kicks off at 7 AM ET, airing live on ESPN+.
