The future of Milwaukee's Bucks is poised for growth, but the path forward is layered with both opportunity and controversy. New team President Josh Glessing is committed to continuing the legacy laid out by previous president Peter Feigin, yet his approach is rooted in building upon what has already been achieved rather than replicating it exactly. According to Glessing, his main objective is to enhance Feigin’s impactful work in Milwaukee—focusing on winning games, fostering strong relationships with fans, and contributing positively to the community.
In an interview with Tom Daykin of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Glessing emphasized that his goal isn’t to merely step into Feigin’s shoes but to develop and expand the foundation that’s already been laid. Notably, Glessing, recognized as a 2024 Forty Under 40 honoree, envisions the Bucks as more than just a basketball team—seeing the organization as a catalyst for urban revitalization. He highlighted the importance of the Deer District, an area that has seen significant transformation, especially with the ongoing redevelopment efforts. However, Feigin’s sudden departure on January 5th sparked concern among local leaders, including Alderman Robert Bauman, whose district encompasses Deer District. Bauman praised Feigin’s innovative approach to economic development, underscoring how his creative strategies greatly contributed to making Deer District a thriving hub—a status Bauman fears could be at risk.
Despite these worries, Glessing reassures that the Deer District’s evolution is still on track amid the current challenges faced by the commercial real estate sector. The Bucks are actively involved in several high-profile projects scheduled for this year, such as hosting the first concert at Landmark Credit Union Live, along with the development of new facilities like the Moxy Hotel and the Fieldhouse Flats apartments. These projects are designed not only to boost activity within Deer District but also to catalyze broader economic impacts, including increased events at the Fiserv Forum.
Glessing emphasizes a strategic vision: “Our role isn’t just to play basketball at Fiserv Forum, but to leverage the arena as a powerful engine for economic development and community growth.” This perspective underscores the Bucks’ broader mission to be an integral part of Milwaukee’s development.
Transitioning leadership is a delicate phase, and Glessing is focused on ensuring a smooth handover. He notes that Feigin will remain involved until the organization feels confident about their new direction. Glessing acknowledges the substantial effort Feigin invested to bring stability to the franchise, which now serves as a foundation for future expansion. His goal is to harness the NBA platform not only to reinforce Milwaukee’s local vibrancy but also to elevate the city onto the global stage.
Looking ahead, Glessing sees immediate opportunities for further development, despite the current economic headwinds affecting real estate everywhere. He is hopeful that in the upcoming months, Milwaukee will see announcements outlining the next groundbreaking steps for Deer District. With a talented team led by chief real estate development officer Mike Belot and some of the country's most experienced real estate developers in the Bucks ownership group, the organization is actively exploring every avenue to increase density and maximize development potential.
But here’s where it gets controversial... While the Bucks are investing heavily in urban growth and community-building efforts, some critics might question whether sports franchises should wield such expansive influence over local development or whether these initiatives truly benefit all residents equally. As Milwaukee’s story unfolds, the debate over the role of sports organizations in shaping city landscapes remains lively.
What do you think? Is using sports teams as engines for community transformation a smart move or a risky gamble? Share your thoughts below!
