By Matt Mueller Culture Editor Published Oct 23, 2023 at 7:11 PM Photography: Dan Garcia

The 2023-24 NBA season hasn't even begun yet, and the Bucks already have a win to celebrate: Giannis Antetokounmpo has signed a new contract extension with Milwaukee, keeping the iconic all-star in a Bucks uniform for even longer. 

According to ESPN scoop-master Adrian Wojnarowski, who first reported the news, the deal is worth three years and $186 million. The reported extension guarantees Giannis with the Bucks through the 2026-27 season, with a player option on the following year. 

The Greek Freak himself then confirmed the deal on social media. 

The timing of the extension is somewhat surprising, considering Giannis talked in several interviews throughout this offseason about holding off on signing a contract – both for to the increased value of the contract (according to Wojnarowski, an extension next offseason would've been worth up to four years and $234 million) and to see how competitive Milwaukee would continue to be for championships. With their stunning blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard last month, however, the Bucks seemingly proved their commitment to contending to Giannis – and now their star has returned the favor.

While the news is much to the chagrin of ESPN talking heads and Eastern Conference foes, it's obviously tremendous news for Milwaukee fans, who get more time with one of the greatest players in the franchise's history. Over his first decade with the Bucks, Giannis has averaged more than 30 points, 11 rebounds and almost six assists per game, resulting in two Most Valuable Player trophies, multiple All-Star appearances and the team's first NBA Finals victory – as well as the city's first major sports championship – in a half-century. And in case his on-the-court play wasn't endearing enough to fans near and far, he's been even more of an MVP off the court with his charming personality, powerful rise-to-stardom story (one literally worthy of a Disney movie) and commitment to the city – one that's confirmed for even longer thanks to today's re-signing.

After this off-the-court victory, now it's time to rack up some on-the-court ones as Giannis and the Bucks will start their latest charge toward hopefully an NBA championship on Thursday at home against the Philadelphia 76ers. For the rest of the Bucks' upcoming schedule, click here – and for more Bucks news and updates on the opening tip-off as well as throughout the season, stay tuned to OnMilwaukee. 

Matt Mueller Culture Editor

As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.

When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.