By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following several twists over recent months, Athens will be the host of the EuroLeague Final Four 2026.
The next championship-crowning tournament of Europe’s premier club continental competition will be held in Telekom Center Athens, previously known as OAKA, the home of Panathinaikos.
The Greek capital was the favorite heading to the vote of the shareholders, as reported by Eurohoops on Tuesday, and won with ease.
The #EuroLeague Final Four returns to Athens after almost 20 years. An official announcement is expected soon; the favorite won the vote with ease.
More coming on @Eurohoopsnet and @eurohoopsGR
— Aris Barkas (@arbarkas) September 10, 2025
Euroleague Basketball confirmed the venue of the 2025-26 season’s Final Four later Wednesday.
Per the press release: “Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four will take place in Athens, Greece, returning the prestigious event to one of basketball’s most storied destinations.
The 2026 EuroLeague Final Four will be held at the Telekom Center Athens, a venue with a capacity of over 18,000 spectators. Originally built in 1994 and extensively renovated for the 2004 Olympic Games, Telekom Center Athens has since hosted countless legendary basketball moments. The semifinals will take place on May 22, followed by the Championship Game on May 24.
This will mark the second time the Greek capital hosts the Final Four, the first being in 2007. Nearly two decades later, the EuroLeague’s showcase event returns to the iconic venue, reaffirming Athens’ status as a cornerstone of European basketball.
“Athens is a city with a deep basketball heritage and one of the most passionate fan bases in Europe. We are thrilled to return in 2026 to Athens, a city that has hosted some of the most unforgettable moments in EuroLeague history,” said Dejan Bodiroga, President of Euroleague Basketball. “Greece remains a key market for Euroleague Basketball, with two top-level clubs competing annually, an incredibly devoted fan community, and strong appeal as a global tourist destination. Bringing the Final Four back to Athens is a natural decision, one we are confident will deliver another spectacular event.”
“The return of the Final Four to Athens reflects the strong commitment we continue to build with our traditional markets” said Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO. “The city’s commitment to basketball, combined with its rich history and the passion of Greek fans, makes it an ideal stage for our biggest event. I would like to thank the Greek Government and the Ministry of Sports for their confidence in Euroleague Basketball. Their support and commitment have been instrumental in bringing the Final Four back to Athens after nearly two decades. With their continued backing, we are confident that we will once again deliver an unforgettable event.”
Hosting the Final Four again in Athens highlights Euroleague Basketball’s focus on delivering world-class live experiences for fans while strengthening the competition’s global profile.”
Kalimera 🇬🇷
Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four will take place in Athens! #EuroLeague #FinalFour #Athens pic.twitter.com/9pQSVuGb1C
— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) September 10, 2025
Path to Athens
The 2025-26 Regular Season, packing an expanded field of 20 teams, is set to begin on September 30, launching a 38-game double-legged round-robin schedule lasting until April 17. Following the Play-In Showdown between April 21 and 24, and the Playoffs from April 28 to no later than May 13, the Final Four 2026 will stretch from the Semifinals on May 22 to the Final on May 24.
Belgrade was also in the running for the next Final Four, recently presenting new data on the bid to host the event in Belgrade Arena. The Serbian capital was the host in 2018 and 2022.
With the Final Four to be held in Athens for the first time since 2007, the season-ending tournament was played in Greece in 1993 and 2000 as well, at Piraeus and Thessaloniki, respectively. After earning the hosting rights of the 2026 edition, Greece can also resurface Piraeus as a future candidate, upon completion of the renovation of the Peace and Friendship Stadium, SEF, home of Olympiacos.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi, the venue of the previous Final Four, is expected to bounce back as a host to crown the EuroLeague champion in 2027 and 2029.