Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes WhatsApp’s first brand ambassador

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has signed an endorsement deal with WhatsApp becoming the first-ever brand spokesperson for the Meta-owned messaging app.

In announcing the partnership, the Greek-born National Basketball Association (NBA) star, which was the league's MVP in 2018 and 2020, wore a customized hoodie featuring the ‘234’ international dialing code for Nigeria, his family’s homeland.

The endorsement deal is the first signed by WhatsApp, with further details of the partnership yet to be revealed. WhatsApp, which has over 75 million users in the US alone, is now running its first-ever marketing push.

Antetokounmpo will be featured in branded content, attend events and community outreach initiatives, and participate in other similar activities as part of the agreement.

The 27-year-old Antetokounmpo said he loves the idea to represent where his family’s from, my culture, and the people in Nigeria, on this big stage.

The NBA star noted that he’s not trying to promote just any company for the money as he makes sure to enjoy doing it, and it makes sense.

The latest endorsement deal sees Antetokounmpo add to his portfolio of partners, which also includes Nike, JBL Headphones, and Google.

Antetokounmpo has been investing by backing startup sports drink brand Ready Nutrition and acquiring minority ownership in Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Milwaukee Brewers in August.

One of the NBA’s most popular stars, Antetokounmpo has over 20 million combined social media followers and has the third highest-selling jersey in the NBA last season, according to merchandise company Fanatics.