By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Based on a press release of Olympiacos on Friday, July 11, the long-awaited agreement with the Greek government concerning the operational control of the Peace and Friendship Stadium was set, without further issues.
The Reds formally accepted the current legislative status concerning the area surrounding the indoor venue, opening the path to signing a long-term license and securing operational control of SEF. The deal was officially announced on Monday, July 21.
Similar to the arrangement between Panathinaikos Aktor and the Greek government in 2023, Olympiacos was granted control of SEF for the next 49 years.
* The story was updated after the announcement of the Greek government.
Olympiacos was recently crowned Stoiximan GBL champion in Greece. Every single league championship since 1993, except for AEK in 2002, has been shared between the eternal rivals. Complementing dominating displays at the domestic level, the Reds and Greens topped the EuroLeague on ten occasions, three and seven respectively, since Panathinaikos opened the tally in 1996.
Both sides have been busy, preparing for the 2025-26 editions of continental and domestic competitions and further strengthening impressive rosters. Olympiacos moves added Donta Hall and Tyson Ward to the roster. On the other side of the storied rivalry, T.J. Shorts II and Vassilis Toliopoulos are among confirmed newcomers.
Both are projected to once more contend for the EuroLeague championship, widely placed among the favorites to win the 2025-26 installment of Europe’s premier club continental competition, and also face off in the GBL Finals.