The NBL welcomes Panathinaikos and Partizan to Australia for a historic clash with the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers.
In a landmark moment for Australian basketball, two of Europe’s most revered clubs, Panathinaikos BC AKTOR and KK Partizan, are heading Down Under to take part in the prestigious Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament. This marks the first time the celebrated event will be held outside of Europe.
Hosted by the National Basketball League (NBL), the September showdown promises to deliver a spectacle unlike any other. The action tips off at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena on Thursday 18 September, before continuing at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday 21 and Monday 22 September. The four-team tournament will also feature two of Australia’s biggest clubs, the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers.
For local fans, this is more than just a series of games. It is a rare opportunity to witness elite EuroLeague talent up close, an experience typically reserved for courts in Athens and Belgrade.
“This is an extraordinary moment for the NBL and basketball fans in Australia,” said NBL Director Nikola Milivojevic. “To have two of Europe’s biggest teams competing alongside two of our top clubs reflects the NBL’s growing global reputation and highlights the booming appetite for basketball in Australia.”
Panathinaikos, founded in 1919, is one of the most successful basketball clubs in European history. The Greek powerhouse has claimed seven EuroLeague titles, 41 Greek championships and 21 Greek Cups. KK Partizan, based in Belgrade, is equally iconic. The 1992 EuroLeague champions have a proud tradition of developing world-class basketball talent and a passionate fanbase.
For both European clubs, the Australian tour is about more than just competition. It is also about building connections.
“We are proud to bring the legacy of Panathinaikos and the memory of Pavlos Giannakopoulos to Australia,” said Panathinaikos President Vassilis Parthenopoulos. “This initiative holds cultural importance, especially in connecting with the Greek diaspora in Australia. Through basketball, we celebrate unity, pride and the shared values that define Panathinaikos.”
Partizan President Ostoja Mijailović shared a similar vision. “Our goal is to expand our community and strengthen fan bases within Australia. We are excited to meet fans and reconnect with the Serbian diaspora, who we know are passionate supporters of the game.”
The tournament honours the late Pavlos Giannakopoulos, the former Panathinaikos president who played a key role in shaping the club’s modern identity. His legacy lives on through this annual event, and the decision to bring it to Australia reflects both the reach of his influence and the international growth of the sport.
NBL Owner and Executive Director Larry Kestelman added, “We would like to thank Panathinaikos and KK Partizan for trusting the NBL as partners for the seventh edition of their prestigious tournament. It is a powerful symbol of how far Australian basketball has come.”
Whether you are a devoted EuroLeague follower, a loyal NBL supporter or simply a fan of great sport, this is a tournament that delivers more than just basketball. It is a cultural celebration, an international exchange and a sporting experience that unites communities across continents.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history.
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