Olympiacos Piraeus

Olympiacos Piraeus, officially known as Olympiacos B.C. (Basketball Club), is a professional basketball team based in Piraeus, Greece. It is the basketball section of the multi-sport club Olympiacos CFP, and it competes in both the Greek Basket League (GBL) and the Turkish Airlines Euroleague. Olympiacos stands as a cornerstone of European basketball, known for its passionate fan base, rich history, and international success.

History and Foundation

Olympiacos B.C. was established in 1931, although it officially became part of Olympiacos CFP in 1935. The club gained prominence in Greek basketball post-war and rose to continental elite status in the 1990s. Olympiacos is one of the two most successful clubs in Greece, alongside Panathinaikos, with whom they share one of the fiercest rivalries in world basketball.

Domestic and European Achievements

Olympiacos has an illustrious track record both domestically and in Europe:

• Greek League Championships: 14 (including titles in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2012, 2022, 2023)
• Greek Cups: 12+
• Euroleague Titles: 3 (1997, 2012, 2013)
• Euroleague Final Four Appearances: 12+ (including finals in 2022 and 2023)

The club’s back-to-back Euroleague championships in 2012 and 2013 were achieved under legendary coach Georgios Bartzokas and led by stars like Vassilis Spanoulis, who became a Euroleague icon during his time with the club.

Legendary Players and Coaches

Olympiacos has featured some of the most influential figures in European basketball history:

• Vassilis Spanoulis – Considered one of the greatest Euroleague players ever
• Giorgos Printezis – Long-time captain and Olympiacos legend
• Theodoros Papaloukas, Milan Tomić, Josh Childress, Kostas Sloukas, Sasha Vezenkov
• Coaches: Dusan Ivković, Giannis Sfairopoulos, Georgios Bartzokas

These individuals played key roles in shaping the modern identity and success of the club, both on and off the court.

Home Arena and Fan Culture

Olympiacos plays its home games at the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF), located in Piraeus, with a capacity of approximately 12,000 spectators. The arena is known for its intense atmosphere, especially during Euroleague and Greek derby matches. Olympiacos supporters, particularly those from Gate 7, are globally recognized for their passion, loyalty, and choreographed displays, contributing to one of the most electrifying environments in world basketball.

Cultural Impact and Identity

Olympiacos is not only a sports team but a cultural institution in Greece. The club’s values—discipline, teamwork, and pride—are deeply embedded in its identity. As a founding member of the modern Euroleague era, Olympiacos has helped shape European basketball's competitive standards and continues to be a symbol of Greek excellence on the international stage. The club’s rivalry with Panathinaikos is widely regarded as one of the most intense in sports, known as the "Derby of the Eternal Enemies."