Giannis Antetokounmpo joins Kalshi as a shareholder, marking a new venture for the NBA star

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has expanded his business portfolio by becoming a shareholder in Kalshi, a prominent prediction market platform, the company announced Friday.

“The internet is full of opinions. I decided it was time to make some of my own,” Antetokounmpo wrote on social media when revealing the partnership. “Today, I’m joining Kalshi as a shareholder.”

The two-time NBA MVP becomes the first basketball star to invest in Kalshi, a growing platform that offers users the opportunity to trade on the outcomes of various events, including sports. The partnership will involve Antetokounmpo’s participation in live events and marketing initiatives for the company.

Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Giannis is a legend. He’s exactly the type of long-term partner we want to align our growing brand with, and we couldn’t be happier he’s on board.”

The announcement comes just one day after the NBA trade deadline, during which Antetokounmpo was the subject of intense speculation. Despite widespread rumors about potential trades, the Bucks ultimately retained their franchise cornerstone. In the lead-up to the deadline, Kalshi had actively highlighted its event contracts related to Antetokounmpo’s trade market on its social media platforms, showcasing the fluctuating odds of teams potentially acquiring him.

According to Kalshi’s press release, Antetokounmpo will be prohibited from trading on markets related to the NBA, addressing potential conflict of interest concerns. Both Kalshi and the NBA have yet to provide further details on specific restrictions.

“I love the Kalshi markets and have been checking them often recently,” Antetokounmpo said in the company’s announcement. “I like to win. It’s clear to me Kalshi is going to be a winner and I’m excited to be getting involved.”

Antetokounmpo, currently sidelined with a right calf strain since January 23, was not available for comment following the Bucks’ 105-99 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday.

This investment adds to the 31-year-old basketball star’s growing business empire. Antetokounmpo has already established himself as a diversified investor, holding ownership stakes in Major League Baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers and Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC.

Prediction markets like Kalshi represent a rapidly expanding sector in the financial technology landscape. These platforms enable users to trade on the outcomes of future events, with roots in political forecasting that have since expanded to encompass numerous categories including entertainment awards, weather events, and sports outcomes.

The mechanics of prediction markets involve event contracts with prices determined by trader activity, reflecting the perceived probability of specific outcomes. Contract prices range from $0 to $1, corresponding to a 0% to 100% chance of an event occurring as perceived by market participants.

The growing popularity of prediction markets has not been without controversy. Last month, an anonymous trader on Polymarket—another prediction platform—earned over $400,000 after placing timely bets on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro leaving office shortly before his capture by U.S. authorities. The suspicious timing of these trades raised concerns about potential insider information being used to profit from the platform.

Kalshi’s partnership with Antetokounmpo represents a significant mainstream endorsement for prediction markets, potentially helping to increase their visibility and legitimacy among sports fans and casual investors alike. The collaboration highlights the continued intersection of sports, technology, and financial markets as athletes increasingly leverage their personal brands through diverse investment opportunities.

As prediction markets continue to gain popularity, regulatory scrutiny may intensify, particularly regarding matters of gambling regulations and the potential use of privileged information. For now, Antetokounmpo’s involvement signals growing mainstream acceptance of these alternative trading platforms.