Bucks star Antetokounmpo joins Brewers ownership group

One month after leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA title in half a century, Giannis Antetokounmpo is teaming up with the city’s other major pro sports franchise by joining the Milwaukee Brewers ownership group.

“Man, this is unbelievable,” Antetokounmpo said Friday. “This is a dream come true for a kid from Sepolia, Athens, Greece, born from immigrant parents. I could have never imagined I would be in this position.”

Antetokounmpo modeled a Brewers jersey with No. 34, the same number he wears on the basketball court. Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio joked that he wondered whether president of baseball operations David Stearns might want to try out the 6-foot-11 forward at first base.

Attanasio and Antetokounmpo said they finalized this agreement in May. Antetokounmpo said he and the team kept it quiet at the time because they didn’t want to distract the Bucks playoff run.

Attanasio said Antetokounmpo is the first new individual investor added to the Brewers ownership group since Attanasio purchased controlling interest of the franchise in 2005.

Athletics

Oakland is proceeding with “parallel paths,” planning new ballparks in Oakland and Las Vegas. Club officials are determined to find the best fit and relocate if the organization can’t secure what it wants along the downtown waterfront Howard Terminal site.

Team president Dave Kaval is planning another trip to Las Vegas soon to evaluate the options with that potential spot.

Braves

Atlanta agreed to a twoyear, $16 million contract extension with catcher Travis d’Arnaud that ensures his return in 2022, as well as a club option that could extend the deal for a third season. D’Arnaud recently rejoined the first-place Braves after missing more than three months with a thumb injury.

Elsewhere

There will be more major league magic at the Field of Dreams site when the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs travel to Dyersville, Iowa, for a game next season. The Reds and Cubs will play a regular-season game Aug. 11.