Jimmy Haslam stepped into the NFL world, buying a minority share in the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2008. He spread his net further and acquired the Cleveland Browns. After building an impact in the NFL, the Cleveland Browns owner is now looking for a bigger role in an NBA team, with whom he already owns a share.

According to the sources, Haslam reportedly is pushing for more control with the Milwaukee Bucks.

“The  Bucks will undergo a reconstruction project this offseason, and I’m told it could commence sooner than later, perhaps as soon as this week," reported Woelfelspressbox.com analyst Gery Woelfel. "Sources contend Jimmy Haslam III is angling to become the controlling owner of the franchise. As of now, Haslam, Wes Edens, and Jamie Dinan all have equal power."

As reported by ESPN, the NBA’s Board of Governors greenlit Haslam and his wife, Dee, to acquire an ownership stake in the Bucks from co-owner Marc Lasry.

Back in 2023, the co-owner of Cleveland purchased a 25 percent stake in the Bucks. Cut to 2026, he wants more shares. With this, Haslam will now become the Bucks' co-owner with Wes Edens and Jamie Dinan.

Meanwhile, the remaining 25 percent of the Milwaukee franchise is owned by multiple minority owners. Among them, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers is also a minority shareholder.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Haslams' personal net worth is now estimated at $10.1 billion. When he bought the minority share three years back, the Bucks had put up the best regular season record and went to their first playoff game.

But the situation worsened over the years. Their 32-49 campaign is their worst record in ten years. It collides with a messy, public rift involving their player, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Where Else Does Jimmy Haslam hold ownership?

Haslam and his wife operate through the Haslam Sports Group. They entered the NFL in 2008 by purchasing a minority stake in the Steelers. However, he sold it off four years later to buy Cleveland for a reported $1.1 billion in 2012. Today, the franchise is valued at approximately $ 6.4 billion, according to Forbes.

His father founded Pilot Flying J, the nation's largest truck stop chain. Becoming the CEO in 1996, Haslam built his wealth leading the company before selling it to Berkshire Hathaway for $13.65 billion in 2024.

Other than this, the family expanded into Major League Soccer by acquiring the Columbus Crew in 2018 for $150 million.

The pivot to the NBA began in April 2023. Now, with more cash on hand from the final 20% Pilot sale in January 2024, Haslam can consolidate his influence by becoming an impactful partner with the NBA.

What do you think about Haslam's move with the Bucks? Let us know in the comments section.

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar