Australia will host more elite-level basketball in September after Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos announced plans to stage the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament outside of Europe for the first time.
Panathinaikos and Serbian outfit KK Partizan will face off at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena on September 18, before competing in a four-team tournament with National Basketball League (NBL) teams Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on September 21 and 22.
The Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament is held annually in memory of Panathinaikos’ former owner and president, who died in 2018. Last year’s event took place at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.
Panathinaikos has teamed up with the NBL to take the seventh edition of the tournament to Australia.
NBL director Nikola Milivojevic said: “This is an extraordinary moment for the NBL and basketball fans in Australia. To have two of Europe’s biggest teams competing in a tournament of this calibre, along with two of the biggest clubs in Australian basketball, the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers, is not only a reflection of the NBL’s growing global reputation, but underlines the increasing level of passion and interest Australians have for the game.
“This once-in-a-lifetime event enhances the strong relationship the NBL has formed with the two EuroLeague clubs Panathinaikos and KK Partizan. To be hosting the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament is a huge honour, and we can’t wait for fans to experience it.”
Vassilis Parthenopoulos, Panathinaikos president, added: “We are proud to bring the legacy of Panathinaikos and the memory of Pavlos Giannakopoulos to Australia. This tournament marks a major step in our global journey, honouring a visionary who shaped our club’s modern identity.
“We thank the NBL for their warm welcome and partnership, and we’re honoured to collaborate with Partizan Belgrade. This initiative holds cultural importance, allowing us to connect with the Greek diaspora in Australia. Through basketball, we celebrate unity, pride, and the shared values that define Panathinaikos.”
In March, it was announced that the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans would head to Australia for two pre-season fixtures against the NBL’s Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix.
The Pelicans will play at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on October 3 and October 5, marking the first-ever NBA games in Australia. The NBL will serve as the official promoter and organiser of what has been dubbed the Melbourne Series.
