When the Soviet Union finally took the floor in Milwaukee, the stakes went far beyond basketball.

Narrated by Charlie Berens, Episode 3 of Bucks vs. the World focuses on the second game of the 1987 McDonald’s Open, as the Soviet Union national team faces EuroLeague champion Tracer Milan and quickly establishes itself as the tournament’s most formidable force. The result shocks fans and media who had just seen Tracer push the Bucks to the brink, dramatically shifting expectations for what lies ahead.

The episode explores the Cold War context surrounding the Soviet team’s arrival, including the lingering pain of the controversial 1972 Olympic gold medal game and the political realities shaping the lives of the USSR’s players and their legendary head coach, Alexander Gomelsky.

As the spirit of glasnost begins to emerge, Episode 3 captures a rare moment when sport, politics, and history collided — and when the Bucks realized they were about to represent far more than Milwaukee on the court.

The opening game of the 1987 McDonald’s Open revealed something no one was prepared for.

Narrated by Charlie Berens, Episode 2 of Bucks vs. the World explores how the Milwaukee Bucks’ matchup with EuroLeague champion Tracer Milan sent shockwaves through international basketball, forcing the NBA, the media, and fans across Europe to reconsider what was possible. As Tracer pushes the Bucks to the brink, the episode shows how perceptions of European talent began to change in real time.

The story then moves behind the Iron Curtain, introducing the Soviet Union national team as they arrive in Milwaukee. Through firsthand accounts from players, coaches, and journalists, the episode examines the challenging political realities that shaped the lives of the USSR’s stars and their legendary head coach — and how anticipation for the tournament’s final game grew into something much bigger than basketball.

In 1987, the Milwaukee Bucks hosted the 1987 McDonald’s Open, a groundbreaking tournament that brought together the Bucks, the Soviet Union national team, and EuroLeague champion Tracer Milan — marking the first collaboration between the NBA and FIBA.

Narrated by Charlie Berens, Episode 1 of Bucks vs. the World explores how the tournament came together, why Milwaukee was chosen, and how Cold War politics shaped one of the most consequential moments in basketball history. The episode builds to the Bucks’ dramatic opening matchup with Tracer Milan, setting the stage for a battle that would change the game forever.

Season 5 of Behind the Bucks, presented by Gallagher, returns with Locked In, a four-part series narrated by Marques Johnson that takes you inside the Milwaukee Bucks’ pursuit of a championship. In episode 1, players open up about the grind it takes to reach — and stay — in the NBA. Hear from the Bucks' stars on how early discipline, family influence, and an unshakable work ethic shaped their paths to the pros. This is the story of where championship dreams begin — and how the Bucks are building theirs from the ground up. Subscribe to the Behind the Bucks podcast, presented by Gallagher, to enjoy untold stories, essential insights, and exclusive access to your favorite team.

In the NBA, every player wants to be a star — but the real key to winning is learning how to be a star in your role. In this episode, Bucks veterans and rising players reveal what it takes to sacrifice, adapt, and elevate the team. Behind the Bucks is presented by Gallagher.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has made one thing clear: he’s locked in on Milwaukee and the city that shaped him. In this episode, the Bucks’ stars open up about loyalty, legacy, and why players choose to make Milwaukee home. Hear Giannis, Bobby Portis, Myles Turner, and others reflect on what it means to play — and stay — in a city built on hard work, community, and championship dreams. Behind the Bucks is presented by Gallagher.

Inside every locker room, there’s a push and pull between experience and ambition. In this episode, the team's leaders reveal how honest conversations, accountability, and competing perspectives are shaping Milwaukee’s identity. It’s a look at how this group is learning to lead one another — and why that connection could be the difference in their pursuit of another championship. Behind the Bucks is presented by Gallagher.

From winning the 2024 NBA Cup, to making history with teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo, the final episode of the series details Milwaukee Bucks superstar Damian Lillard's second season with the team. In an exclusive interview with senior NBA insider Chris Haynes, Dame describes how he has asserted himself as a leader of the team, and the many ways his relationship with Giannis has grown since he arrived in Milwaukee. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers shares how Dame has impacted the young players on the team, and how unique Dame and Giannis are as a dynamic duo. And Bucks general manager Jon Horst explains how the resilience Dame has shown over his career is the type of spirit the team will need to embody to achieve their ultimate goal of winning a championship.

Subscribe to the Behind the Bucks podcast, presented by Gallagher, to enjoy untold stories, essential insights, and exclusive access to your favorite team.

After requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, it was a few days before training camp when Damian Lillard finally got the call he was being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, and at first he didn't believe it. In an exclusive interview with senior NBA insider Chris Haynes, Dame details his initial reaction to the trade, and why he knew Milwaukee was where he was supposed to be. He also opens up about his relationship with former Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, as well as his experience earning his first career All-Star start and All-Star game MVP.

Subscribe to the Behind the Bucks podcast, presented by Gallagher, to catch each episode of this four-part series.

After being selected with the #6 overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, it didn't take long for Damian Lillard to show the NBA he belonged. Former teammate LaMarcus Aldridge describes Dame's ascent to superstardom, and reveals the depth of their relationship in Portland and beyond. And in an exclusive interview with senior NBA insider Chris Haynes, Dame details what led to his decision to request a trade from the franchise and how the Milwaukee Bucks emerged as a potential destination for him to pursue his ultimate goal of contending for an NBA championship. Subscribe to the Behind the Bucks podcast, presented by Gallagher, to catch each episode of this four-part series.