The comments on both sides of the Atlantic are apologetic for Giannis Antetokounmpo after his stellar performance on Sunday night that led Greece to a victory over Israel (84-79) and qualification to the 8th round of Eurobasket 2025.
Aris B.C., the legendary Greek basketball club based in Thessaloniki, has entered a bold new era under the ownership of 24-year-old entrepreneur Richard Hsiao. With significant financial backing and a long-term investment strategy, Hsiao aims to revitalize the club and set the stage for future success.
A Game-Changing Move: Richard Hsiao Becomes Owner of Aris Basketball Club
In late June 2025, a binding agreement was signed between Aris B.C. and the powerful investment group RCH, owned by Richard Hsiao and his family. The deal is set to be officially approved by the Aris Sports Club and the Professional Sports Committee of Greece, ushering in a transformative chapter for the club.
Who Is Richard Hsiao? – A Young Investor with Global Ambitions
Richard Hsiao, based in Toronto with business operations in New York, is the founder and CEO of RCH Group and J17 Capital. His investment focus lies in high technology, sports, and entertainment.
His long-term ambition? To own an NBA team.
“Investing in the NBA is one of my biggest goals,” says Hsiao. “Not just for business, but because of my deep love for basketball.”
RCH Group: A Strategic Player in Sports Investment
Under Hsiao’s leadership, RCH Group includes:
RCH Investment Holdings (venture and sports fund)
RCH Initiatives (philanthropic arm)
The fund prioritizes investments in professional sports, mental wellness, and innovative tech including SaaS, blockchain, and consumer applications.
Vision for Aris B.C.: A Five-Year Rebranding Plan
Hsiao and his team are implementing a 5-year strategic plan to elevate Aris B.C. back to prominence:
Rebranding the club
Modernizing operations
Investing in talent and infrastructure
Expanding the international fan base
“Aris has a passionate fanbase, a strong legacy, and the potential to become a European basketball powerhouse again,” Hsiao notes.
A Close Friendship with Giannis Antetokounmpo
A self-described “superfan” of the Milwaukee Bucks, Hsiao is a close friend of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family. He is regularly seen courtside at Fiserv Forum, sitting next to Bucks owner Wes Edens.
“I don’t own part of the Bucks. I just have an incredible friendship with Giannis and his family,” he told Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Hsiao’s connection to the Bucks began during their 2020–21 championship season, and his visible presence drew media attention. His relationship with Giannis eventually led to several visits to Greece—where he first became interested in investing in Greek basketball.
From NBA Fan to European Club Owner
Though he doesn’t yet have NBA ownership experience, Hsiao sees Aris B.C. as a proving ground.
“Right now, I don’t have the experience to buy into an NBA team. But in five or ten years, who knows? Aris is the perfect step forward.”
He believes in the power of sports to unite communities and sees Aris as both a personal challenge and a long-term opportunity to develop leadership credentials within professional basketball.
Conclusion: Richard Hsiao’s Investment Signals New Era for Aris B.C.
With a clear vision, financial backing, and international basketball connections, Richard Hsiao’s ownership marks a turning point for Aris B.C. From Greek hardwoods to possible NBA ambitions, Hsiao represents the new wave of global sports investors—young, tech-savvy, and passionate about the game.
Greek basketball powerhouses Olympiacos and Panathinaikos AKTOR saw their EuroLeague title aspirations dashed in disappointing semi final defeats, as both clubs were eliminated from the Final Four in Abu Dhabi.