Alternative Investments/ESG: NBA Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo Partners With Calamos On Sustainable ETF

The Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equities Fund will invest in firms complying with ESG standards.
NBA superstar and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the “Greek Freak,” has partnered with Illinois-based Calamos Advisors on a stock ETF that has a sustainable edge. Titled the Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equities Fund, the new ETF will invest only in firms that comply with ESG standards determined internally. (Bloomberg)
In a statement, a Calamos representative said: “The shared values between Calamos Investments and Giannis Antetokounmpo forge the foundation for a great partnership.”
Released in June, The New Disney+ movie “Rise” told the story of the journey of Giannis and his two brothers Thanasis, and Alex Antetokounmpo. It followed the family’s path from Nigeria, to Greece and eventually to the NBA – and how their parents embedded in them a deep sense of determination and dedication – while never losing focus on the importance of family.
The new ETF that carries Giannis’ name will exclude companies that are involved in activities including animal testing, gambling, nuclear energy and alcohol. The ETF will be managed by Anthony Tursich and James Madden — portfolio managers at Calamos Investments who have had previous stints in sustainable investing at Portfolio 21 Investments.
Giannis made headlines in April when it emerged that he held money in 50 banks, each up to the FDIC insured limit.
However, that changed when Avenue Capital Group founder Marc Lasry took Giannis under his investing wing. It is not known, however, if the basketball superstar had himself invested any seed capital in the new ETF.
Lasry is a co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Related Story: Global Digital Sports Platform Fanatics Raises $1.5B Led By NFL, Others
Image: Flickr

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