Report: Jimmy Haslam could make a power play for the Bucks

Jimmy Haslam apparently wants more with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Haslam is angling to become the controlling owner of the Bucks franchise, veteran Milwaukee writer Gery Woelfel reported on Sunday. Woelfel adds that such an ownership shakeup could be a part of a “massive reconstruction project” for the Bucks this offseason.

The 72-year-old Haslam, better known as the majority co-owner of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, purchased a 25 percent stake in the Bucks along with his wife Dee back in 2023. Haslam bought out the stake of Milwaukee’s previous co-owner Marc Lasry.

As it currently stands, the Bucks have a unique ownership structure with Haslam sharing equal power with fellow co-owners Wes Edens and Jamie Dinan (both of whom also own 25 percent of the franchise each). Edens, Dinan, and Haslam are rotating five-year terms as governor of the Bucks (with Edens currently holding the title before Haslam is scheduled to take over for his term in 2028). Meanwhile, the remaining 25 percent of the Milwaukee franchise is held by a vast array of minority owners, including NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The Bucks are in a state of extreme turmoil right now. They are currently 32-49 on the year, marking their worst season in a full decade. Milwaukee is also dealing with the uncertain and increasingly toxic situation of franchise superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is publicly feuding with the franchise at the moment.

That could create a ripe opportunity for Haslam, who has owned the Browns since 2012, to pounce. He might be looking to buy out one or more of the Bucks’ other minority owners in order to consolidate a controlling share for himself and his wife Dee.