by Kandiss Edwards
February 8, 2026
Antetokounmpo is the first basketball star to join the company as a shareholder.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo announced his new project with prediction market platform Kalshi.
Antetokounmpo is the newest shareholder in the company, which allows users to trade on the outcomes of future events such as sports, politics and entertainment.
On February 6th, the NBA champions announced the partnership
Kalshi said Antetokounmpo is the first basketball star to join the company as a shareholder and that the agreement will include his involvement in marketing and live event appearances. The company’s CEO, Tarek Mansour, said in a press release that Antetokounmpo is a suitable long-term partner to help the platform expand its brand.
Antetokounmpo’s news comes just after the NBA trade deadline. There was a lot of speculation that the two-time MVP would be leaving the Bucks after over a decade with the organization. However, it appears the team will move forward with their franchise player.
Kalshi’s press release said Antetokounmpo will be prohibited from trading in NBA-affiliated markets to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Given his role as an active player, the clause represents an important restriction. Although Antetokounmpo will not be able to forego his name, that hasn’t stopped viewers from doing so. Before the NBA trade deadline, over $23 million was put on the line betting on whether or not the star would be traded to a new team.
For many, his announcement that he would continue with the Bucks represented a major financial loss. Antetokounmpo released a clip from “The Wolf of Wall Street” in which Leonardo DiCaprio shouted, “I’m not leaving. The show goes on. This is my home. They’re going to need a damn wrecking ball to get me out of here.”
Antetokounmpo has not been an active player for the Bucks since straining his right calf on January 23rd. The veteran player may be nearing retirement, making his new venture a smart move toward his post-NBA career.
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