You’d think owning an NBA team is a straightforward "I bought it, I run it" kind of deal. But the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks title is actually more of a revolving door than a single throne. If you’re looking for one name to point at, you’re going to be disappointed because the Bucks operate on a unique, tag-team governorship that basically swaps the "boss" every few years.
Right now, in 2026, the man at the top of the letterhead is Wes Edens. But that’s only half the story.
The Modern Power Trio: Edens, Haslam, and Dinan
The ownership structure of this team is a bit like a high-stakes group project. Since 2023, the primary power has been split between Wesley Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan.
Wes Edens is a Wall Street heavyweight, the co-founder of Fortress Investment Group. He’s been here since the beginning of the "New Era," having bought the team back in 2014 for what now looks like a bargain-bin price of $550 million. Honestly, seeing the team valued at over $4.3 billion today makes that 2014 deal look like one of the greatest heists in sports business history.
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Then you have the Haslams. Jimmy and Dee Haslam—the same folks who own the Cleveland Browns—crashed the Milwaukee party in April 2023. They bought out Marc Lasry’s 25% stake for about $800 million. It was a massive move that signaled the Bucks weren't just a small-market fluke anymore; they were a global asset.
The Governor Rotation Explained
Here is where people usually get confused. The NBA requires one person to be the "Governor"—the person who represents the team at league meetings and has the final say on big-budget decisions.
- Wes Edens is the current Governor. He took over the role from Marc Lasry in 2023 and is slated to hold the title until 2028.
- Jimmy Haslam is waiting in the wings. According to the current agreement, Haslam will take over the Governor role in 2028 for his own five-year term.
- Jamie Dinan remains a key billionaire partner in the background, providing the financial bedrock that allows the team to stomach those massive luxury tax bills.
Why the Marc Lasry Exit Mattered
For nearly a decade, the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks meant the duo of Edens and Lasry. They were the ones who sat courtside, high-fiving Giannis and promising a championship when the team was still playing in the aging Bradley Center.
But things changed. Lasry decided to cash out his 25% stake in 2023. Some say it was just time to take the profit—a nearly 600% return isn't exactly something you ignore. Others whispered about differing philosophies on how to handle the team's skyrocketing payroll. Regardless of the "why," his exit brought in Haslam Sports Group (HSG), moving the Bucks into a multi-sport conglomerate ecosystem.
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The Junior Bridgeman Factor
If you want a feel-good story in the world of billionaire owners, look at Junior Bridgeman. In late 2024 and early 2025, the former Bucks legend—who had his No. 2 retired by the team—bought a significant minority stake.
Bridgeman didn't get his wealth from his NBA salary; he built a Wendy’s and Chili’s empire after retiring. His return to the franchise as a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks was a massive PR win. It grounded the team’s corporate leadership in actual Milwaukee basketball history.
The New President: Josh Glessing
We also can't ignore the recent shakeup in the front office. Just this month, in January 2026, Peter Feigin stepped down after 12 years as team president. Feigin was the guy who literally built the Deer District and Fiserv Forum.
The new guy? Josh Glessing.
Glessing comes directly from the Haslam Sports Group side of the house. He actually worked on the Haslams' acquisition of the team. His appointment is a huge signal that while Edens is the Governor right now, the Haslam influence is starting to weave itself into the daily DNA of the organization.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of fans think the owners just sit back and collect checks. In Milwaukee, that’s just not true. Because the Bucks are in a "small market," the owners have to be aggressive.
They haven't been afraid to pay the luxury tax. You don't keep a guy like Giannis Antetokounmpo or trade for Damian Lillard if you're worried about a few extra million in tax penalties. The current ownership group has consistently proven they are willing to outspend their market size to keep the "championship window" propped open.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Investors
If you’re tracking the business side of the Bucks, keep your eyes on these three specific areas:
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- The 2028 Transition: Watch how the team’s culture shifts as Jimmy Haslam prepares to take the governorship. His style with the Cleveland Browns has been "hands-on," which could differ from Edens' more calculated approach.
- Deer District Expansion: Ownership is currently looking at "Phase 2" of the Deer District. This isn't just about basketball; it's about turning downtown Milwaukee into a year-round entertainment hub. The real estate value is what actually backs up that $4.3 billion valuation.
- The Giannis Contract Horizon: With trade rumors always swirling around superstars, the owners' willingness to keep spending on a supporting cast is the only thing keeping the franchise centerpiece in Wisconsin. If the spending stops, the era likely ends.
The Bucks are no longer a "mom and pop" shop. They are a high-value asset managed by some of the sharpest—and most competitive—minds in global finance.
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