Last Updated on June 16, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Milwaukee Bucks entered the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1968 and quickly became one of the league’s success stories, winning a championship just three years later. Over the decades, the franchise has been guided by a small number of ownership groups, each playing a key role in shaping the team’s direction and long-term stability.
Wesley Pavalon and Marvin Fishman (1968–1985)
Milwaukee businessmen Wesley Pavalon and Marvin Fishman were awarded the Bucks expansion franchise in 1968. Their ownership group built a championship contender almost immediately, drafting Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and acquiring Oscar Robertson. The Bucks captured their first NBA title in 1971 and remained one of the league’s strongest teams throughout much of the 1970s and early 1980s.
Jim Fitzgerald and Michael Hammes (1985–1998)
Jim Fitzgerald and Michael Hammes purchased the franchise in 1985. During their ownership, the Bucks remained competitive but struggled to replicate the championship success of earlier years. The team continued to be a fixture in Milwaukee while ownership sought to maintain the club’s financial stability.
Herb Kohl (1985–2014)
U.S. Senator and businessman Herb Kohl became a major investor in 1985 and eventually acquired full control of the franchise. Kohl is widely credited with keeping the Bucks in Milwaukee during a period when relocation rumors frequently surfaced. His long tenure provided stability and preserved the franchise’s future in Wisconsin.
Wesley Edens, Marc Lasry, and Jamie Dinan (2014–2023)
In 2014, investment executives Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry led a group that purchased the Bucks from Herb Kohl. Jamie Dinan later joined as a significant investor. Under this ownership group, the franchise underwent a transformation highlighted by the emergence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the construction of Fiserv Forum. The Bucks won their second NBA championship in 2021.
Wesley Edens and Jimmy Haslam (2023–Present)
Marc Lasry sold his stake in 2023 to Jimmy Haslam, while Wesley Edens remained a principal owner. The current ownership group continues to oversee the franchise as it competes among the NBA’s top teams and builds on the success of its recent championship era.
Milwaukee Bucks Ownership Timeline
| Owner | Years |
|---|---|
| Wesley Pavalon & Marvin Fishman | 1968–1985 |
| Jim Fitzgerald & Michael Hammes | 1985–1998 |
| Herb Kohl | 1985–2014 |
| Wesley Edens, Marc Lasry & Jamie Dinan | 2014–2023 |
| Wesley Edens & Jimmy Haslam | 2023–Present |
The Bucks have had relatively few ownership changes throughout their history. From the founding ownership group that delivered the franchise’s first championship to the current leadership that secured its second title, each era has played an important role in the team’s development.