Basketball fans in Australia are in for a treat this September as the prestigious Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament heads down under for the first time.
The announcement was made on May 12 at a grand event in Australia, marking the official partnership between the National Basketball League (NBL), Panathinaikos, and Partizan.
The event, which honors the legendary Panathinaikos president Pavlos Giannakopoulos, will see two of Europe’s most storied teams, Panathinaikos and Partizan, square off against Australian powerhouses the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers.
For the seventh edition of the tournament, Panathinaikos and Partizan will first meet on Thursday, September 18, at John Cain Arena in Melbourne. The following weekend, the two European giants will compete in a four-team tournament alongside the Kings and 36ers at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. This marks a significant step in the tournament’s international expansion, as it celebrates its first staging in Australia.
Nikola Milivojevic, NBL Director, expressed his excitement, saying, “This is an extraordinary moment for the NBL and basketball fans in Australia.” He highlighted the importance of the tournament in showcasing the NBL’s growing global reputation, as well as the deepening connection between Australian and European basketball.
Panathinaikos, under the late Pavlos Giannakopoulos, became one of Europe’s premier basketball clubs, winning six EuroLeague championships. The tournament honors his legacy, and this year, it holds special significance as it brings together two iconic clubs—Panathinaikos and Partizan—along with two top Australian teams.
Panathinaikos President thanked the NBL for their support, emphasizing the cultural significance of the event, especially for the Hellenic diaspora in Australia. “This tournament is not only a celebration of basketball but a bridge between generations and a tribute to the legacy of Pavlos Giannakopoulos,” said the Panathinaikos representative.
Partizan’s President, Ostoja Mijailovic, also shared his enthusiasm, acknowledging the strong connection between Australian basketball fans and Partizan. “We look forward to reconnecting with our expatriates and showcasing our club to Australian fans,” he said.
