NBL Sides To Host European Giants In Four Team Tournament

Two of Europe’s most storied basketball clubs, Panathinaikos and KK Partizan, are set to visit Australia later this year as part of the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, with matches to be played in Melbourne and Sydney.

The European sides will face off first at the John Cain Arena before competing in the four team tournament with the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers in Sydney.

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

“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,” he said.

NBL owner and executive director, Larry Kestelman, added: “We’re extremely excited to see the Kings and 36ers represent the NBL against two EuroLeague powerhouses.”

“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,” he said.

On bringing BC Partizan to Australia, 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,” he said.

The announcement was marked by a drone show over the Sydney Harbour skyline, underscoring the significance of the upcoming event for both international and local basketball communities.

Ticket pre-registration is set to open on May 19, with general ticket sales starting on May 22.

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