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Is Giannis Antetokounmpo's marriage the ultimate slam dunk in his life off the court?

It was a celebration of our love. Now we’ve become one. And I’m happy that we did it.” Yes, your favorite Greek basketball player is off the market now. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger officially tied the knot in the summer of 2024!

The Milwaukee Bucks star married Riddlesprigger in Greece, his home country. Known to basketball fans as the “Greek Freak,” Antetokounmpo has his biggest supporters in his corner: his wife Mariah and their 3 kids, who back him just as devotedly as his loyal fanbase. Giannis and Mariah’s story began back in 2014 when they first crossed paths—Giannis was just starting his NBA career, while his future better half was completing her Sports Management and Sociology degree at Rice University.

Guess who was the best man at the 6-foot-11 power forward’s wedding? None other than his teammate, Khris Middleton. The wedding, however, was a lowkey affair. Reflecting on their time in Greece, Giannis Antetokounmpo shared, “We enjoyed some amazing days together. It was a lot of fun.” He went on to say, “It was all about celebrating our love. Now, we’re united as one, and I’m thrilled we did it. It seemed like everyone had a great time, too.”

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Who is Mariah Riddlesprigger?

Mariah Danae Riddlesprigger was born on September 17, 1992, in Fresno, California, to Patrick and Cathy Riddlesprigger. She has two younger sisters, Makayla and Maya. Like her NBA superstar partner, Mariah’s family is deeply connected to sports too. In 2014, she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Arts from Rice University in Texas, where she studied Sport Management and Sociology.

While still in school, Mariah Riddlesprigger interned for two summers with the NBA Summer League. After earning her degree, she joined the Philadelphia 76ers’ basketball operations team. Riddlesprigger played as an outside hitter in volleyball through her high school and college days. Before her time at Rice University, she served as captain and earned MVP honors in her final high school season.

In May 2021, Mariah Riddlesprigger launched her own loungewear line called ‘Sincerely, Mariah’ inspired by the “remarkable people” she’s met throughout her life. During an interview with the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, she explained that the idea took shape during the NBA bubble, a time when she struggled with the isolation of new motherhood amid the pandemic. “I realized this was something I needed to do for myself,” she shared, “to help me feel like me again.

Her exclusive clothing collection, featuring phrases like “undeniably worthy” and “unapologetically me,” intended to inspire others while reflecting positivity and empowerment. Riddlesprigger described it as cozy clothing perfect to wear for running errands or at home.

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Is Giannis Antetokounmpo's marriage the ultimate slam dunk in his life off the court?

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“I love comfort,” she said. “If you see me around Milwaukee, I’m usually in sweatpants or yoga pants with a sweatshirt. I want to stay true to myself—that’s my go-to.” To mark this milestone, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s wife shared several Instagram posts, including a touching message for the Bucks hoopster, thanking him for his inspiration and support on her journey.

Who are Mariah Riddlesprigger’s three children?

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger welcomed their first child, Liam, on February 11, 2020. Often seen courtside, Liam proudly cheers his dad on with Riddlesprigger and even joined in the celebration, after the Bucks won the NBA title in July 2021.

In September 2021, Mariah shared the arrival of their second son through a sweet Instagram photo of Liam kissing his newborn baby brother. She captioned it, “My boys *yellow heart* Being your mama is my greatest joy! I hear it’s national son’s day and I’ll take any chance I get to celebrate you two little sour patch kids!”

A few months later, she revealed their newborn’s name as Maverick Shai Antetokounmpo. By May 2023, the couple announced they were expanding their family once again, posing for a family picture in front of a blue and pink balloon arch with a “BABY” sign.

Finally, in September 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger announced the birth of their daughter, Eva Brooke. They posted a picture of baby Eva in her car seat, with her brothers on either side. Giannis captioned it, “Welcome Home Eva Brooke Antetokounmpo 🤍 Daddy’s Little Girl and Brothers’ Baby Sister *boy emoji* *boy emoji* *girl emoji*.”

Mariah And Giannis’ philanthropic endeavors

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Riddlesprigger and Antetokounmpo’s commitment to giving back is evident in their charitable work. After welcoming their second son, Maverick, in September 2021, the couple organized a diaper drive and fundraiser benefiting the Milwaukee Diaper Mission. They raised an impressive $38,000 and collected 20,000 diapers over the course of the week-long event. Having kids of their own, opened them to problems of other families with newborn babies.

via Imago

In 2022, they expanded their philanthropic efforts by launching the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF). Mariah Riddlesprigger explained to PEOPLE, “For the longest time, I struggled personally. What do I want to do? I’m so much more than just [Antetokounmpo’s] partner or his fiancée, and I wanted to find what I’m passionate about. I have so much drive to figure out how I can help other people with our family’s platform.”

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A year later, in 2023, CAFF partnered with the Milwaukee Diaper Mission again, this time raising $188,000 and distributing more than 30,000 diapers to local families in need. Reflecting on her inspiration to get involved, Mariah Riddlesprigger told CBS, “It’s even more needed than even I thought. One in two families need diapers? That’s a sad statistic.

Riddlesprigger’s experiences as a first-time mom opened her eyes to the financial burden diapers can place on families, motivating her to help in whatever way she could.

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