By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The stakes are exceptionally high for the decisive Game 5 between Panathinaikos Aktor and Valencia on Wednesday, with drama escalating both on and off the court.
Despite a strict arena ban preventing him from attending the decider of a best-of-five series in the Playoffs of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Season in Roig Arena later Wednesday, Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos traveled to Valencia to support his team.
“Despite being banned from entering the arena, meaning he is unable to attend tonight’s crucial game, Mr. Dimitris Giannakopoulos travelled to Valencia in order to stand by the players and coaching staff of Panathinaikos BC AKTOR. He was also present at the team’s lunch, where he had the opportunity to speak with everyone and offer encouragement just a few hours before Game 5 against Valencia Basket,” the Greens stated in a press release, addressing the situation shortly before tipoff.
This high-profile trip follows a sanction from Euroleague Basketball, which ruled that the majority shareholder of Panathinaikos was prohibited from accessing venues for the next three Panathinaikos games, alongside a fine of €10,000 for his behavior during Game 2. This crucial Game 5 officially serves as the third and final game of that suspension.
The winner of this Game 5 will advance to the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four Athens, presented by Etihad, joining Olympiacos, Fenerbahce Beko, and Real Madrid. The advancing team is scheduled to face Madrid in the Final Four Semifinals on May 22 at the Telekom Center Athens.