The “Pavlos Giannakopoulos” Tournament, which this year will be held for the seventh time in memory of Panathinaikos’ legendary leader, is moving to Australia for the first time!

The official announcement of the tournament’s staging took place on Monday, May 12, in Australia, during a grand event, where the NBL (National Basketball League of Australia), Panathinaikos AKTOR, and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade officially launched this prestigious competition, which has become an institution in European basketball.

Panathinaikos AKTOR and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade will travel to Australia in September for an unforgettable experience for basketball fans, honoring the memory of one of the greatest figures in our club’s history.

Pavlos Giannakopoulos, with his integrity and true sporting spirit, honored Greek athletics and managed to change the course of our team’s history, making it the most successful club in Europe.

During his presidency at Panathinaikos, he brought in top names from Greece, Europe, and around the world, building an impressive trophy collection that includes 6 EuroLeague Championships, 13 Greek League titles, 9 Greek Cups, and 1 Intercontinental Cup. He was universally respected and deeply loved, as he always acted first as a “father figure” and then as a president.

Panathinaikos AKTOR and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade will face off for the first time on Thursday, September 18, at John Cain Arena in Melbourne, and will then compete in a four-team tournament with the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers on Sunday, September 21, and Monday, September 22, at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

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“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 18th September at John Cain Arena, before competing in a four-team tournament with the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers on Sunday the 21st and Monday the 22nd 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.

“It is with great pride that we bring the legacy of Panathinaikos and the esteemed memory of Pavlos Giannakopoulos to Australia.

The launch of this tournament marks a significant milestone in the international outreach of our club, reflecting our commitment to honoring a visionary who shaped the modern identity of Panathinaikos. Been part of this prestigious event, we reaffirm our dedication to strengthening our global presence and promoting the values of excellence, integrity, and sporting tradition that Pavlos Giannakopoulos so passionately upheld.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the National Basketball League (NBL) of Australia for their warm hospitality and collaboration. Their support has been instrumental in making this tournament a reality and in fostering an environment where international basketball can thrive. We are equally honored to collaborate with our esteemed friends from Partizan Belgrade and we are honoured to have with us the President Mr. Mijailović.

Their participation adds great value and prestige to this tournament and reflects the shared respect between two great clubs with long history.

This initiative also carries profound cultural significance. It is an opportunity to engage meaningfully with the Hellenic diaspora in Australia, a community with which we are deeply connected . Through the universal language of sports, we aim to build bridges, foster unity, and celebrate the shared values that connect people across continents.

After all, Panathinaikos has always stood for more than just basketball. It is a symbol of pride, identity, and togetherness.

The Club was acquired by the Giannakopoulos family in 1987 and under the guidance of Pavlos Giannakopoulos, Panathinaikos became one of the most successful basketball clubs in European history, winning six Euroleague championships and the prestigious Intercontinental Cup in 1996.

His strategic vision, tireless dedication, and deep emotional connection to the Club helped bring international basketball legends like Dominique Wilkins, a Greek icon Nikos Gkalis and of course Mr. Fragiskos Alvertis, Panathinaikos Team Captain for many years. His Jersey Number 4 was retired by Panathinaikos in his honor. Widely known for his clutch, three-point shooting and leadership, we are now proud to have him in the club as the Ambassador of Panathinaikos.

His contribution led to 5 European Championships, 11 Greek Championships, and 8 Greek Cups. All of the above raised dramatically the profile of Greek basketball on the global stage. Pavlos Giannakopoulos never treated Panathinaikos as a mere business, for him, it was a lifelong mission and players and fans alike viewed him as a father figure.

Through the Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament, we do more than remember him we honor everything he stood for.

This annual tournament is a bridge between generations. It connects the past with the present and inspires the future. It is a gathering of champions, a celebration of basketball.

This year’s tournament in September, will be the 7th edition.

The decision to host this event to Australia was not just a matter of geography, it was both a matter of sentiment, history, vision and a tribute within the Hellenic diaspora. In addition, it is dedicated to the devotion of the Panathinaikos fans for their continued support.

Finally dear friends, I am also in great need to mention to you all, that I grew up, raised and educated in Australia, I feel very proud to be an Australian citizen and I’m for ever grateful to this country for everything it has given me”.

“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”.