By Aris Barkas/ info@eurohoops.net
The Greek authorities officially submitted a bid to host the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four in Panathinaikos’ OAKA arena, according to Eurohoops sources.
OAKA and Athens last hosted the EuroLeague Final Four in 2007 when Panathinaikos claimed the championship title.
All the necessary financial guarantees for organizing the Final Four have been provided, and the road has been cleared for the event’s return to Athens for the first time in almost two decades.
Per the same sources, the Greek government intends to make a future bid for Olympiacos’ Peace and Friendship Arena to host the Final Four in the upcoming years. The stadium is scheduled for refurbishment according to modern standards, with Olympiacos taking over its management as it happened with OAKA and Panathinaikos.
Valencia looked like the favorite to host the 2026 Final Four; however, this option is off the table, while Belgrade had also entered the picture as a potential host city. But right now, all signs point toward the tournament returning to Greece.
The EuroLeague shareholders are meeting tomorrow, and the Final Four host is expected to be one of the main issues of the meeting.
However, due to other pressing matters, including the proposed lists of EuroCup teams and the EuroLeague schedule after the expansion to 20 clubs, the Final Four host decision is expected to be postponed.