Giannis Antetokounmpo can take control of his long term future with the Milwaukee Bucks in October 2026, when he qualifies for a four year, 275 million dollar extension that would keep him in Milwaukee through the 2030 and 31 season. Still, Shaquille O’Neal has proposed a different route, suggesting there may be a stronger option on the table for the two time MVP.
In the current scenario, Shaquille O’Neal says that if he were in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s position, he would “Tell Milwaukee to pay me a super max and give me 10% of the team so I can stay; if not, I’m out. Not legal, but you know, loopholes,” O’Neal added.
What would @SHAQ do if he were Giannis? Ask for the supermax and 10% of the team.
Currently not legal within the NBA, but should players get percentages of teams as active players? 🤔@ESPNMilwaukee https://t.co/nLlFMm1p4A pic.twitter.com/s0E5y9DOJk
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE (@UnSportsESPN) February 17, 2026
Of course, active players can’t fully own a team, but Giannis Antetokounmpo, 31, could still buy a stake in the $4.3 billion franchise owned by Jimmy Haslam and partners.
By becoming a part-owner, he could pocket $403 million in addition to the $275 million extension, bringing his total earnings to an eye-popping $705 million.
Can Giannis Antetokounmpo own part of the Bucks?
Feb 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gestures after his team defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The NBA does not allow active players to own teams. Article 35A of the Collective Bargaining Agreement explicitly prohibits any current player from holding direct or indirect ownership or financial interest in a franchise.
This rule, in place since at least 2005, is designed to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain competitive balance. Any violation is considered a salary cap breach, so the league treats ownership stakes by active players as a serious competitive concern.
The 2023 CBA introduced limited exceptions. Players can invest indirectly through an approved player fund, similar to a mutual fund acquiring stakes across multiple teams, or hold less than 1 percent in a publicly traded company that owns a franchise. Direct ownership of any individual team, however, remains strictly prohibited.
Feb 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during warmups prior to the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Bucks cannot offer Antetokounmpo an ownership stake in the team, but they could increase the size of his contract. While a higher salary is attractive, it does not fulfill Giannis’ main priority of competing for championships during his prime.
Any extra money would be more effective if used to improve the roster, including the possibility of adding another star to join him on the court.
This season, Antetokounmpo remains sidelined with an injury, and his return date is still unclear. The Bucks managed to win their final two games before the All-Star break, and they hope to carry that momentum forward.