By Eurohoops / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos held its traditional New Year’s cake-cutting ceremony in a very positive atmosphere on Wednesday (4/3) at the Globalsat VIP Lounge of the OAKA.
Dimitris Giannakopoulos welcomed the players and members of the coaching staff and wished them a 2026 filled with health and success.
In his speech, the owner of Panathinaikos emphasized that an additional bonus of €1 million would be given to everyone. He stressed that it is only a matter of time before the team also secures the EuroLeague and Stoiximan GBL trophies by the end of the season, following their Greek Cup triumph.
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“It’s March and it feels a bit strange to be wishing Happy New Year, but nevertheless, Happy New Year. Love, prosperity, luck, happiness, and health to all of you, your families, and your loved ones. Personal achievements—and hopefully team achievements as well”, said Giannakopoulos.
“I am very optimistic. We have the best team in Europe, the best players in Europe, the best atmosphere in Europe, the best arena in Europe, and the best coach in Europe. I think we have ‘the best’ at every level. And it’s only a matter of time until, at the end of the year, that table most of you know—the one in Sounio—will have all three trophies on it. And there we will celebrate together at the end of the season. On June 22, on my birthday. You are all invited. We’ll put tequila in one, vodka in another. And what will we put in the third one, Kendrick (referring to Nunn)? OK, cognac. You’re my guy. I’m very optimistic. I see Juancho smiling. It’s still March. I want to smile too, I know it’s still March. You know March is your month, right? And your smile always predicts things. Once again, Happy New Year and all the best from you.”
At the end of the event, after the lucky winners were announced, Giannakopoulos added:
“Of course, we want the three trophies, not for the table. We want them for the millions of fans across Greece who support Panathinaikos. Everyone has bonuses in their contracts. As I told you, I am very optimistic. So what I will do today is tell you that at the end of the season, if we have all three trophies on that table to make our fans happy, beyond all the bonuses you already have, there will also be one million euros from me to be shared among everyone in this room. This is not from the budget—it’s from me. And actually, it’s not from me, it’s from Free.”
Moments of unity and smiles from our annual vasilopita event. Family always comes first! 💚☘
Watch the full photo album exclusively on CLUB 1908: https://t.co/IJffh0iB5l 📲#WeTheGreens #paobcaktor #Club1908 pic.twitter.com/qW0ZqxobOE
— Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) March 4, 2026