Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence from the Greece national team is one of the biggest storylines that has emerged in the buildup to EuroBasket 2025.
Greece’s first match in the competition — against Italy on Aug. 28 — is exactly two weeks away, and Antetokounmpo has not been present at any of his team’s pre-tournament practices and exhibitions thus far.
The reason why, according to EuroHoops’ Aris Barkas, is that the Milwaukee Bucks have yet to provide written approval of Antetokounmpo’s participation in the tournament.
BucksRealm, an account dedicated to coverage of the Bucks, clarified and elaborated upon Antetokounmpo’s situation in a thread posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Wednesday night.
“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 [Aris Barkas],” BucksRealm wrote.
“In layman’s terms, the FIBA insurance policy doesn’t pay enough to cover Giannis’ NBA contract in the case of injury, and so a formal authorization from the Bucks is required. Two other players have similar protections: Nikola Jokic & Luka Doncic, both of whom have been cleared.
“To be clear, that permission will come soon. The Bucks know what international play means to Giannis, and would never jeopardize his ability to suit up for Greece. Simply, the team has used what leverage it has to keep the wear and tear on their franchise star to a minimum.”
In a separate comment, BucksRealm expressed optimism about a resolution being found before Antetokounmpo misses any competitive games.
“Under the FIBA-NBA agreement, Giannis was eligible to begin training with Greece as early as Aug 1, but due to the insurance impasse, the Bucks have held out thus far,” BucksRealm wrote. “Expect the green light to come soon (ahead of Group Play beginning Aug 27), but the situation is worth noting.”
In addition to Italy, Greece will have matchups against Cyprus (on Aug. 30), Georgia (Aug. 31), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sept. 2), and Spain (Sept. 4) in Group B play before the 16-team knockout phase begins on Sept. 6.
