Giannis Antetokounmpo takes equity stake in prediction market Kalshi
giannis-antetokounmpo-kalshi-shareholder
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has purchased an ownership stake in Kalshi, a U.S.-based prediction market that offers trading on a broad range of sports outcomes.
The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player announced the move on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in a social-media post that read, “The internet is full of opinions. I decided it was time to make some of my own. Today, I’m joining Kalshi as a shareholder.”
Kalshi said Antetokounmpo, 31, is the first basketball player to become a shareholder in the company. The agreement calls for him to assist with live events and marketing campaigns.
“Giannis is a legend,” Kalshi chief executive Tarek Mansour said in a statement. “He’s exactly the kind of long-term partner we want for our growing brand, and we couldn’t be happier he’s on board.”
During the week leading up to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, Antetokounmpo was at the center of heavy speculation, though Milwaukee ultimately kept its franchise star. Kalshi promoted event contracts that allowed users to trade on the likelihood of a deal, with prices shifting as rumors intensified.
According to Kalshi, Antetokounmpo is barred from trading on any markets tied to the NBA. The company said additional details would be provided later. The NBA declined immediate comment.
“I like to win,” Antetokounmpo said in the release. “It’s clear to me Kalshi is going to be a winner and I’m excited to be involved.” The forward has been sidelined since Jan. 23 with a strained right calf.
Antetokounmpo also holds minority stakes in Major League Baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers and Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC.
How prediction markets work
Prediction platforms allow users to buy and sell contracts on the outcome of future events—often framed as yes-or-no questions—at prices between $0 and $1. The price represents the perceived probability of an event occurring. While the format gained popularity in politics, today’s markets cover everything from weather to entertainment awards.
Last month, for example, an unidentified trader on rival site Polymarket reportedly earned more than $400,000 by wagering that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro would be removed from office, prompting questions about possible insider information because of the timing and limited scope of the bets.
Source: ESPN
