Breaking News: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Returns to the Milwaukee Bucks—This Time as a Co-Owner in 2025
In a move that blends history with the future, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has officially returned to the Milwaukee Bucks—this time not as the towering center who dominated the paint in the 1970s, but as a newly minted co-owner of the franchise. The announcement, made on July 22, 2025, has sent waves of excitement through the basketball world and among Bucks fans, who remember Kareem as the cornerstone of the team’s early success.
Abdul-Jabbar, who played for the Bucks from 1969 to 1975, led the franchise to its first NBA championship in 1971 alongside Oscar Robertson. Known for his iconic skyhook and dominant presence on both ends of the court, he averaged over 30 points per game during his time in Milwaukee and won three MVP awards with the team. Though he spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar’s roots in Milwaukee remain deeply respected and celebrated.
“This is more than a business decision—it’s personal,” Abdul-Jabbar said during the press conference announcing the ownership deal. “Milwaukee is where my professional journey began, and it feels right to come full circle. I want to help ensure this team’s success on and off the court for generations to come.”
The Bucks organization, currently one of the most respected and consistently competitive teams in the NBA, sees this partnership as both symbolic and strategic. Co-owner and primary governor Wes Edens expressed his excitement about Kareem’s return in a new capacity: “Kareem is not only a basketball icon but a thoughtful leader and community advocate. We’re thrilled to welcome him into our ownership group and tap into his vision, wisdom, and enduring connection to the city.”
The move also signifies a broader trend in the NBA of former players becoming team stakeholders. Abdul-Jabbar joins a growing list of legendary athletes—such as Dwyane Wade (Utah Jazz), Grant Hill (Atlanta Hawks), and Michael Jordan (formerly with the Charlotte Hornets)—who have taken on ownership roles in hopes of shaping the league’s future beyond the court.
In addition to his ownership responsibilities, Abdul-Jabbar is expected to serve as an advisor for community outreach, youth programs, and player development initiatives. His passion for education, civil rights, and mentorship aligns with the Bucks’ commitment to social impact and inclusive growth.
Fans in Milwaukee are already buzzing about the return of the franchise’s first true superstar. Jerseys with his No. 33 have long been a staple in the city, and now, with his deeper involvement in the team’s future, a new era of appreciation is underway.
Abdul-Jabbar’s return brings a poetic symmetry to a career that shaped the NBA. Though he’s no longer battling in the paint, his influence on the Bucks—and the game—may be greater than ever. As the 2025–26 season approaches, Milwaukee welcomes back a legend—not as a player, but as a partner, pioneer, and pillar of the team’s identity.
