Giannis Antetokounmpo buys ownership stake in Ready Nutrition

Sports nutrition brand Ready Nutrition has received investment from professional basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo which gives him an ownership stake.

As part of the deal, Antetokounmpo will be involved in all areas of product development of the business, alongside an exclusive endorsement and community role with the brand’s Ready Water and other products.

Founded in 2012 by former University of Pittsburgh basketball team captain Pat Cavanaugh, Ready Nutrition offers all-natural sports nutrition products such as protein waters, sport drinks, snack bars and protein powders. The products are currently available in over 8,000 retail outlets across North America.

Following the investment, Antetokounmpo joins Cavanaugh and professional football star Aaron Donald as a co-owner of Ready Nutrition.

In his new role, Antetokounmpo will focus on the further expansion of Ready Water – a sports hydration drink featuring 15g of protein, no sugar and 5 natural electrolytes – into European and Asian countries.

Through the partnership, Antetokounmpo will also focus on youth and high school athlete platforms, giving advice to athletes, as well as donations. According to Ready Nutrition, a percentage of sales will be donated in Ready Products to scholastic teams in need in all 30 NBA Cities, as well teams and clubs in Greece, Nigeria, Ireland, India and China.

“We are proud to have Giannis join our company as a teammate and co-owner in a role that will touch so many areas; from product development to cause marketing, community relations and consumer engagement through our retail partners both on-line and in store,” said Cavanaugh, founder and president of Ready Nutrition. 

Antetokounmpo added: “It’s also important for me to believe in the mission of the company; and Pat and Ready’s vision match my interests in health and nutrition.  For me to get involved with the company at this level and build something special — it will give me the chance to learn and make an impact on a global level, not just here in the US.”