The ownership group of the Milwaukee Bucks is reportedly about to undergo a significant change. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Bucks co-owner, Marc Lasry is selling his team stake to Jimmy Haslam.
Haslam’s name is well-known among sports fans across the country. He owns the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL) and the Columbus Crew (MLS). The Bucks will be his third professional sports franchise, and he may still need to be done.
That could be a worrying trend for Bucks fans, who have seen Haslam’s success as an owner vary.
On the one hand, the Browns have remained a shambles. Since he took over more than a decade ago, they are 55-113-1 with only one playoff appearance in his 11 seasons. They’ve also made questionable personnel decisions, such as trading for and signing Deshaun Watson during a major scandal. Milwaukee has always taken pride in acquiring good people, both on and off the court. The Bucks have a “no ***hole” locker room policy and ensure the players they bring in fit into their culture.
Conversely, Haslam saw the Crew win the MLS Cup just one year after taking over as owner. That could happen in Milwaukee, where the Bucks are in the playoffs.
The Bucks are well-positioned for success, and Haslam will likely have little influence shortly. Milwaukee has long-term contracts for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday and a strong core around them.
This offseason, however, significant decisions were made on players such as Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, and Jae Crowder. Lopez and Crowder will become free agents, while Middleton has a player option. Haslam’s influence will be felt immediately, as key decisions will be made that will directly impact the Bucks’ chances in 2023-24 and beyond.