Bucks co-owner was a victim of a $1 billion blackmail plan

Wes Edens, the billionaire co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, has been identified as the victim of an alleged $1 billion extortion scheme that followed a brief romantic affair, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Federal prosecutors filed charges in U.S. District Court in New York. The indictment does not publicly identify Edens, but the Journal confirmed he is the individual described in the filing. The case is scheduled to go to trial later this year, according to federal court records.

The alleged blackmail came to light the same day Edens’ daughter, Mallory, was set to represent the Bucks at the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery. Edens also attended the lottery but was not available for comment.

Prosecutors charged Changli “Sophia” Luo, 46, with blackmail, extortion and related offenses in the alleged scheme, which reportedly spanned several months from late 2024 through spring 2025. The alleged extortion began following the end of a brief romantic relationship between Edens and Luo.

According to court records and the Journal, Luo threatened to release photographs and videos of her and Edens engaged in sexual activity unless he paid her more than $1 billion. She also contacted members of Edens’ family, threatened to approach his investors and pledged to ruin him, the Journal reported.

Luo also accused Edens of having sex with her while she was “mentally incapacitated” and told him that cameras in her home had recorded the encounters, according to the Journal.

Edens, 64, denied the allegations but reportedly complied with demands to avoid public embarrassment and to shield his family from harassment. Court records show he previously agreed to settle the matter for $6.5 million, with $1 million paid upfront.

After Luo learned she had tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease — which she blamed on Edens — she sought additional payments, the Journal reported.

A spokesperson for Edens told the Journal: “Mr. Edens will be making no comment on the case as the indictment speaks for itself with respect to the charges against the defendant.”

“Mr. Edens expects to testify under oath at the upcoming trial,” the spokesperson added.

Luo has been released on a $500,000 personal recognizance bond, according to court records.