EuroLeague club Panathinaikos BC AKTOR has unveiled a specially designed jersey to be worn exclusively during the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, taking place in Australia for the first time ever in September.
On Thursday, July 17, Australia’s Ambassador to Greece Alison Duncan and President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis, met with Panathinaikos BC AKTOR President, Vassilis Parthenopoulos, to reveal an exclusive jersey design for the touring team to wear during the seventh edition of the tournament.
Mr Parthenopoulos also hosted a private tour of the Club’s principal facilities, including the internationally renowned glass floor court.
The Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament is a prestigious pre-season basketball event featuring two of Europe’s most storied clubs, Panathinaikos BC AKTOR and KK Partizan.
For the first time ever, the Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) proudly partners with the EuroLeague powerhouses to bring the tournament to life on Australian soil, marking a landmark moment for international basketball collaboration.
Named in honour of Panathinaikos’ legendary owner, the tournament is renowned for its fierce competition, passionate fanfare and celebration of European basketball heritage.
This year, the two European giants will compete in the tournament in Melbourne on Thursday, September 18, and take on NBL clubs, the Adelaide 36ers and Sydney Kings, in Sydney on Sunday, September 21, and Monday, September 22, bringing a unique transcontinental clash to Australian fans.
“This landmark moment of Mr Parthenopoulos meeting with Ambassador Duncan and Mr Papastergiadis in Athens is truly significant to mark the importance of bringing two leagues on opposite sides of the world together to play on Australian soil,” NBL Director Nikola Milivojevic said.
“It’s an amazing moment to watch from Australia the gathering in Athens in anticipation of the great event that will unfold, and we thank Mr Parthenopoulos and Panathinaikos for creating a jersey that will be a historic memory in both NBL and EuroLeague history.
“We can’t wait to watch the 36ers and Kings defend the league here in Australia in Sydney, and we certainly are looking forward to the Greek community showing up and welcoming Panathinaikos for the first time ever, with ticket packages to ensure the tournament attracts as much support from the community as possible.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for all Australian basketball fans to witness history, and be part of an event that will have eyes from across the globe watching.”
Panathinaikos’ Mr Parthenopoulos said, “It was a true honour to welcome Ambassador Duncan and Mr Papastergiadis to our home venue.”
“Their visit marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the Greek diaspora in Australia and to advance the legacy of our beloved Pavlos Giannakopoulos,” he added.
“The Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament is more than just an event. It is a celebration of heritage, vision, and unity. We see great potential in promoting this tournament internationally, and Australia holds a special place in this vision.
“To our fellow Greeks in Australia: we warmly invite you to join us in Melbourne and Sydney to experience the passion of Panathinaikos basketball and be part of this historic moment.
“Tickets for all games are available. Don’t miss the opportunity to support our team and honour the legacy of Pavlos Giannakopoulos together.”
Ambassador Duncan said, “I’m so delighted that the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament will be held in Australia this year. Panathinaikos is one of Europe’s top teams and they’ll receive a very warm welcome from Aussie basketball fans and the Greek diaspora. I hope they also get a little time off to enjoy some of the many wonderful experiences Australia has to offer.”
“It was great to catch up with Mr Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, in Athens this week to hear about the community’s activities in Melbourne and share some of the Embassy’s priorities for the coming period,” the Ambassador added.
“The diaspora is such an important element of Australia’s relationship with Greece, and one that the Embassy is always keen to highlight and celebrate in our engagements.”
Tickets are now on-sale for each game day via Ticketek, with family ticket packages available for $123 in Melbourne including two adults and two kids, and $120.95 in Sydney. Club merchandise available to purchase via the NBL site.
