The renovated OAKA Arena in Athens (now known as Telekom Center Athens) has been locked in to host the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four following a vote during the event’s shareholders’ meeting.

Athens received eight votes to secure hosting rights (well above the next best Belgrade that received three votes) votes) which, according to information from BasketNews, are estimated to be around nine million euros.

The Greek capital will hold the event scheduled for the fourth weekend of May, with the semi-finals taking place on Friday 22 May and the final taking place two days later on the 24th.

It marks the fourth time the event will be held on Greek soil, having previously come to Greece in 1993, 2000, and 2007 (the year in which Panathinaikos won their fourth EuroLeague trophy.

EuroLeague’s statement on the decision reads:

“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.

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.”

Mitsotakis

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis commented on the return of the EuroLeague Final Four to Athens, 19 years after the last event at OAKA, in a video on TikTok with the iconic song “The Final Countdown” as background music.

Holding a basketball, the PM described the announcement as “more great news for Greek basketball,” especially after the national team’s impressive qualification to the EuroBasket semi-finals.

“”After our National Team’s great qualification to the semi-finals of EuroBasket, today we had more great news for Greek basketball. After 19 years, the Final Four is returning to Athens, to OAKA,” Mitsotakis said.

He added: “It is a vindication of our government’s efforts to bring major sports events to our homeland. With the hope of seeing both Greek teams in the Final Four and, why not, in the final.”

Euroleague officials

Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga – a former Panathinaikos player – stated the following:

“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.

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.”

Euroleague Basketball CEO Paulius Motiejunas added:

“The return of the Final Four to Athens reflects the strong commitment we continue to build with our traditional markets.

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.”

Vroutsis

The Alternate Minister of Sports, Giannis Vroutsis, celebrated Athens being the centre of European basketball once again after 19 years.

“The Greek Government believed, claimed and finally succeeded in hosting the top basketball event…OAKA will shine again, hosting the four top teams in Europe.”

Chalioris

The General Director of OAKA, Konstantinos Chalioris, praised the decision to host the event at the iconic Athens venue, saying:

“Hosting the top European event is a “seal of quality” and recognition of the effort made to ensure that the facilities meet the highest international standards…The choice of OAKA is not only about basketball but confirms that the Olympic complex can host top sporting and cultural events, strengthening the image of Athens as a metropolitan destination.”

Giannakopoulos

Panathinaikos BC owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos stressed appreciation on the decision should be redirected to the officials who helped make it happen, while cheekily stating they will earn their applause when they win the tournament.

“I thank everyone for the endless messages and congratulations for the Final Four that will be held here, but I don’t deserve them. Congratulations go to the political leadership, to those who worked to bring the Final Four here. It should have been held in Greece for many years, I think it’s fair. Congratulations when we lift it.”

Doukas

The mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, affirmed his belief the event will prove to be a great success:

“The celebration of European basketball returns to Athens. A great success for our country and our city. In May 2026, we welcome the top European teams to the most modern stadium in Europe. And we are confident that the Final Four in Athens will be the most successful in recent years.”