MILWAUKEE – Aaron Rodgers has taken his love for basketball and Wisconsin sports to the next level.
The Packers' two-time MVP quarterback has joined the Milwaukee Bucks' ownership group as a limited partner, becoming the only active NFL player to be a minority owner of an NBA team.
The announcement was made during the Bucks' 116-92 win over the Boston Celtics in their Game 3 playoff matchup on Friday night.
An avid basketball fan who often voices his penchant for the mid-range jump shot on social media, Rodgers has been a frequent spectator at Bucks and University of Wisconsin basketball games over the past few years.
Rodgers cited two motivating factors in his decision to join the Bucks' ownership group – a strong relationship with the Bucks' ownership group and a personal desire to have a tie to entire region.
"I've lived here for 13 years. I love this state," said Rodgers, via Bucks.com. "I'd love to finish my career here, and then also have this opportunity to still have a connection … not just obviously my time with Green Bay, but to show my love and support for the rest of the region and our team in Milwaukee, it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."
Rodgers attended Friday night's game with his girlfriend, Danica Patrick. The two were seated courtside next to Bucks co-owner Wes Edens, who purchased the team with Marc Lasry from former United States Senator Herb Kohl in 2014.
Rodgers said he's been in talks with Edens for "years" about possibly joining an ownership group that also includes Jamie Dinan and Mike Fascitelli.
"Aaron is a winner, a Wisconsin icon, and we are honored to welcome him to our partnership group of the Milwaukee Bucks," said the Bucks ownership group in a statement. "With our team in the playoffs and our new world-class arena opening this fall, it's an exciting time for this city and the Bucks. We are thrilled for Aaron to be with us."
Several other Packers players, including receiver Randall Cobb and left tackle David Bakhtiari, also were in attendance for Friday night's sold-out game at the Bradley Center.
The Bucks, who will open a brand-new arena next door in 2019, have emerged as one of the NBA's hottest young teams behind the core of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and 2016-17 rookie of the year Malcolm Brogdon.
For those reasons and many more, Rodgers is excited about his newest venture.
"That's the exciting part is the arena is going to be open. We have an absolute superstar in Giannis," Rodgers said. "He's a top there player in the league in my opinion. Khris has been incredible these playoffs. We have the reigning rookie of the year. I think things are definitely looking up for Milwaukee basketball."
