Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo EuroBasket 2025 Status Hangs in Balance Over Bucks Contract, and Team Permission Hurdles

Uncertainty Surrounds Giannis's Commitment

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s participation in the EuroBasket 2025 tournament remains uncertain. This is after the Greek Freak announced in July that if he’s fit enough, he’ll represent Greece.

The practice sessions, and exhibition matches have already started ahead of the opener in late August. Teams have almost assembled their squad and are preparing for the continental European tournament.

However, Giannis Antetokounmpo is yet to join his national team. He was supposed to begin practice early this month, but that hasn’t happened. The two-time MVP winner requires a written approval from the Milwaukee Bucks’ management for participation.

BREAKING: Giannis Antetokounmpo has yet to take part in any team activities during EuroBasket as he’s still waiting for the Milwaukee Bucks to provide written permission for him to participate, as confirmed by @arbarkas (EuroLeague Communications Officer). pic.twitter.com/BEi5MYYUjr
— BucksRealm (@BucksRealm) August 14, 2025

Usually NBA players don’t require such approvals for national participation. But players with big NBA contracts require special permission. Players like Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic are also participating in Euro Basket 2025 after getting approvals.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s massive contract exceeds the coverage limits of the Greek Basketball Federation’s standard FIBA insurance. This cap leaves the Milwaukee Bucks financially exposed if he suffers a serious injury, making the team’s written approval for extra coverage essential.

Uncertainty Looms Over Giannis Milwaukee Stay

One of the other reasons behind Giannis’ uncertainty around the tournament is because of his future with the Milwaukee Bucks. Recent reports suggest that the Greek Freak is still unsure about his time in Milwaukee.

ESPN’s Shams Charania said on August 4, “Sources tell me there’s still nothing set in stone about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay in Milwaukee or whether he will be leaving. And so, he’s continuing to evaluate his future.”

He added, “The constant question that Giannis has, though, is, can I win a championship with this roster? Is this roster going to be one for this upcoming year and 2026-27? He wants to win a second championship. There are multiple teams waiting in the wings, potentially, if Giannis this offseason still makes that decision.”