36ers face Euro giants in Sydney showdown

The Adelaide 36ers will take on two of Europe’s biggest clubs later this year as part of the prestigious Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament.

European giants Panathinaikos BC AKTOR of Greece and KK Partizan of Serbia will take part in the tournament in Sydney in September.

The four-game series, being held outside of Europe for the first time, will also feature the Sydney Kings.

It is the seventh time the tournament has been held after being created to honour the legacy of the late Pavlos Giannakopoulos, the former long-time owner and president of Panathinaikos.

“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, is not only a reflection of the NBL’s growing global reputation but underlines the increasing level of passion and interest Australians have for basketball.

“This once in a lifetime event enhances the strong relationship the NBL has formed with the EuroLeague. To be hosting the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament is a huge honour, and we can’t wait for fans to experience it.”

Panathinaikos is the current EuroLeague champion and has won that title seven times.

The Athens-based club has won the Greek championship 40 times and has one of the largest and most passionate fan bases in world basketball, including thousands in Australia. 

Founded in 1945, KK Partizan has won 49 trophies including 21 national champion titles.  Australian basketball stars Dante Exum (2022-23), Jock Landale (2018-19) and Nate Jawai (2010-11) have all played for Partizan before.

Former Boomer Aleks Maric played for both clubs having left Partizan in 2010 to play for Panathinaikos.

Panathinaikos and KK Partizan will first play each other on Thursday the 18th 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. 

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.”

BC Partizan President, Ostoja Mijailović was expecting strong support from the local Serbian community.

“We are extremely happy for the opportunity to present our club and European Basketball to Australian fans,” the BC Partizan President 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 open here, with those who sign up early given priority access on Friday, 16 May. General public tickets will go on-sale on Monday 19 May. You can also register your interest for the Adelaide 36ers travel package to Sydney by clicking on the banner below. 

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.