NBL hosts European powerhouses

The National Basketball League (NBL) is proud to be hosting the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament which will take place outside of Europe for the first time.

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Panathinaikos BC AKTOR and KK Partizan will travel to Australia in September for an experience basketball fans will never forget.

“This is an extraordinary moment for the NBL and basketball fans in Australia,” NBL Director, Nikola Milivojevic said. 
 
“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.”

The teams will first play each other on Thursday the 18^th September at John Cain Arena, before competing in a four-team tournament with the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers on Sunday the 21^st and Monday the 22^nd at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

“We’re extremely excited to see the Kings and 36ers represent the NBL against two EuroLeague powerhouses,” NBL Owner and Executive Director, Larry Kestelman added.
 
“We’d like to sincerely thank Panathinaikos and KK Partizan for their friendship and support, and for trusting the NBL as partners for the 7th edition of their prestigious tournament.”
 
Last year’s event took place at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, and this year’s promises to be as electric.
 
“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,” Panathinaikos AKTOR BC President, Vassilis Parthenopoulos said. 
 
“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.”
 
“We are extremely happy for the opportunity to present our club and European Basketball to Australian fans,” BC Partizan President, Ostoja Mijailović said.
 
“Along with Panathinaikos, our goal is to expand our community and strengthen fan bases within Australia. The connection between BC Partizan and Australian fans is already strong, having Australians like Dante Exum, Alex Maric, Nate Jawai and Jock Landale at BC Partizan squad through the years.
 
“We look forward to meeting all Australian basketball fans and showing them what we’re all about, and we also look forward to reconnecting with our expatriates and those with Serbian heritage who we hope will come out in strong support.”
 
Pre-registration for tickets is now open, with those who sign up early given priority access on Monday, May 19. General public tickets will go on-sale on Thursday, May 22.

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About the Tournament
The annual tournament honours the late Pavlos Giannakopoulos, a legendary figure in European basketball and long-time Panathinaikos president.
 
About Panathinaikos BC AKTOR
Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens is one of the most storied and successful basketball clubs in European history. Founded in 1919, the Greek powerhouse has won seven European championships, 41 Greek championships, and 21 Greek Cups. Known for its passionate fanbase and iconic green-and-white colours, Panathinaikos has long been a dominant force in European basketball, regularly attracting elite international talent and producing legends of the sport. The club plays its home games at the OAKA Olympic Indoor Hall in Athens and is synonymous with excellence, legacy, and a deep-rooted connection to Greek sporting culture. 
 
About KK Partizan
KK Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade is one of Europe’s most iconic basketball clubs, with a rich legacy that dates back to its founding in 1945. Based in Belgrade, Serbia, Partizan is renowned for its passionate fanbase, intense rivalries, and a proud tradition of developing top-tier basketball talent. Partizan made history by winning the EuroLeague title in 1992, becoming the first Serbian (and former Yugoslav) club to claim Europe’s top basketball honour. The team has also secured numerous Adriatic League, Serbian League, and national cup titles, consistently competing at the highest levels of European basketball