Giannis AntetokounmpGiannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks’ star player, has had a long-standing collaboration with Nike, which has contributed greatly to the brand’s success in the sports footwear industry.
However, Antetokounmpo’s relationship with Nike has an unusual past. Several years ago, he was on the verge of signing a contract with Adidas but decided against it for a personal reason: the company’s treatment of his family.
According to Legion Hoops, Antetokounmpo picked Nike over Adidas partly because the latter declined to extend a deal to his brother, Thanasis.
Interestingly, Antetokounmpo revealed this during an appearance on his brother’s podcast, aptly titled “The Thanalysis Show.”
Reflecting on his early days as a rising basketball star in Greece, Antetokounmpo emphasized his respect for Adidas and the enticing offers they made.
“The contract back then was between three and five thousand. We were delighted to have received free clothing. We received free meals, free clothing, and a transportation to the headquarters in Greece.”
However, the scenario changed when his family entered the picture.
Antetokounmpo described a less-than-friendly contact with an Adidas agent and his family members’ hesitation to sign a deal for his sibling.
Antetokounmpo saw Adidas’ refusal to back his brother as a deal-breaker, causing him to walk away from what appeared to be a promising partnership.
At the time, some questioned Antetokounmpo’s decision, citing his unproven status in the league and uncertainty regarding future prospects.
In retrospect, it’s clear that Giannis Antetokounmpo was destined for greatness. His eventual relationship with Nike propelled him to popularity, cementing his place as one of basketball’s most recognizable figures.
His brother, Thanasis, also entered the NBA, and now the Antetokounmpo siblings share the basketball floor, a monument to their shared path and unshakeable bond.
