ATHENS – The family company of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo – who, as a boy, sold goods on the streets – has acquired a mall in a neighborhood of the capital and will make it a sports and entertainment center.
In a partnership with Premia Properties, a real estate investment and management company, the deal saw the purchase of the popular Village Shopping & More center in Rentis, near the port of Piraeus, for €14.1 million ($14.81 million.)
Work to renovate the shopping center would begin immediately, the companies said, the 49,000 square meters (527,432 square feet) property already having an entertainment park but the movie complex as the anchor tenant.
Antetokounmpo, who has been venturing into array of investments, including film producing, will have his company work with Elias Georgiadis, CEO of Sterner Stenhus and Chairman of Premia’s Board.
They said the intention is to make the complex into a premier destination for sports and entertainment, aimed at attracting families and younger visitors, as the area around Piraeus is further being transformed.
“I am investing with my family, in collaboration with Elias Georgiadis, in the area of Athens where my siblings and I grew up. This is one of the most important investments we’ve made in Greece so far,” Antetokounmpo said.
“Our vision is to upgrade the venue, providing unforgettable experiences for all visitors and their families, and to further expand our plans in the athletics sector,” he added. He had also renovated the basketball court where he grew up playing.
Giannis’ brother Thanasis, a former Bucks small forward, said, “This decision not only aims to promote athletics but also carries an emotional significance, as we have very special memories from our childhood in this area.”
