In 1985, Kohl purchased the Milwaukee Bucks for $18 million and played a crucial role in preventing the team from relocating. He sold the franchise for $550 million in 2014, with Wes Edens and Marc Lasry taking over as co-owners. Kohl continued to contribute to the Bucks’ legacy by investing $100 million in the construction of Fiserv Forum, the team’s new home arena that opened in 2018.
Beyond sports, Kohl served as a U.S. Senator from 1989 to 2013, representing Wisconsin. Notably, he was the only Senate member who also owned a professional sports team. Kohl’s impact extended to philanthropy, as he established the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, utilizing his resources to provide scholarships and fellowships to Wisconsin students, teachers, and schools.
Born in Milwaukee, Kohl had a long-standing friendship with Bud Selig, the former Major League Baseball commissioner, and the two were roommates at the University of Wisconsin. Kohl’s commitment to the Bucks and the Milwaukee community earned praise from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who highlighted Kohl’s vision, financial contributions, and dedication to keeping the team in Milwaukee.
(With Reuters inputs)
