The Milwaukee Bucks is a professional basketball franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA), based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. They compete in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division. The team was founded in 1968.
Ownership Status of the Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are not owned by a single individual. Rather, ownership is held by a group of principal owners and investors. Ownership stakes can evolve over time as shares are bought/sold, and as the league approves changes.
Key Owners & Ownership Group
Here are the major individuals/entities currently holding principal ownership positions:
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Notes |
|---|---|
| Wes Edens | Co‐led the purchase of the Bucks in April 2014. |
| Jamie Dinan | Member of the majority ownership group. |
| Mike Fascitelli | Also part of the principal ownership group. |
| Jimmy Haslam & Dee Haslam | Purchased a stake (from Lasry) approved April 2023. |
Note: The remaining shareholdings are held by other institutional or minority investors which may not be publicly itemized.
Background & Key Historical Ownership Highlights
- In April 2014, the Bucks’ previous owner Herb Kohl agreed to sell the majority interest of the team to the group led by Wes Edens and Marc Lasry for approximately US $550 million.
- The NBA Board of Governors approved the sale in May 2014.
- In April 2023, Marc Lasry sold his ~25 % share in the Bucks to Jimmy and Dee Haslam. The NBA Board of Governors approved this ownership change on April 14, 2023.
- The ownership group continues to include Edens, Dinan, Fascitelli, and the Haslams.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- As noted, the sale of Lasry’s stake to the Haslams in 2023 is a key recent change.
- Additional minority ownership movements continue to happen (for example, other investors buying smaller stakes or the team reconfiguring its ownership group) though none currently indicate a full change of control.
- According to valuation reports, the Bucks’ franchise value has risen significantly since the 2014 acquisition.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Milwaukee Bucks?
There is no single owner. The Bucks are owned by a group of principal investors including Wes Edens, Jamie Dinan, Mike Fascitelli, and Jimmy & Dee Haslam.
2. Is the Milwaukee Bucks publicly traded or privately owned?
The team is privately held — it is not listed on any public stock exchange. Ownership is through private equity and individual investment.
3. Who founded the Milwaukee Bucks?
The franchise was established in 1968 as part of an expansion of the NBA. It was not a single‐founder ownership like many companies; rather a franchise awarded to a group for the league expansion.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes — in 2023, a major change occurred when Marc Lasry’s 25 % share was sold to Jimmy & Dee Haslam, approved by the NBA’s Board of Governors.
5. Who is Wes Edens and what is his net worth?
Wes Edens is a billionaire investor and co-founder of Fortress Investment Group. He co-led the purchase of the Bucks in 2014. His estimated net worth is around US $2.3 billion, according to Forbes.
6. Who is Jamie Dinan and what is his net worth?
Jamie Dinan is the founder and CEO of York Capital Management and joined the Bucks ownership group after the 2014 sale. His estimated net worth is around US $2.2 billion, per Forbes.
7. Who is Michael Fascitelli and what is his net worth?
Michael Fascitelli is a real estate executive and former CEO of Vornado Realty Trust. He is also part of the Bucks ownership team. His estimated net worth is between US $45 million – US $60 million, based on public filings and reports.
8. Who are Jimmy and Dee Haslam and what is their net worth?
Jimmy and Dee Haslam are co-owners of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and purchased a ~25 % stake in the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023 after buying out Marc Lasry’s share. Jimmy Haslam’s estimated net worth is about US $8 billion, according to Urban Milwaukee’s 2024 report.