Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, officially known as Panathinaikos B.C., is a professional basketball team based in Athens, Greece. As the basketball division of Panathinaikos A.O., the club is one of the most successful in European basketball history. Panathinaikos competes in the Greek Basket League (GBL) and the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, where it is recognized as a six-time EuroLeague champion and a dominant force in domestic competition.

Since 2023, the team has been sponsored by AKTOR, a major construction company, and operates under the official name Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens.

History and Foundation

Panathinaikos B.C. was established in 1919, making it one of the oldest basketball clubs in Europe. The team quickly rose to prominence in Greek sports and became a national powerhouse during the 20th century. It has been a consistent contributor to the development of Greek basketball, producing many players who would represent the national team.

The club’s growth accelerated during the 1990s and 2000s, particularly under the leadership of the Giannakopoulos family, who transformed it into a European dynasty.

^{Panathinaikos Team (Created by artificial intelligence)}

Domestic and European Success

Panathinaikos is one of the most decorated clubs in European basketball, with a long list of achievements:

• Greek League (GBL) Champions: 39 titles (record)
• Greek Cup Winners: 20+ times (record)
• EuroLeague Titles: 6 (1996, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2011)
• EuroLeague Final Four Appearances: 11+
• Intercontinental Cup: 1 title (1996)

The club’s most dominant era came under the legendary coach Željko Obradović, who guided Panathinaikos to five of its six EuroLeague titles between 1999 and 2012.

Notable Players and Coaches

Panathinaikos has fielded many of the greatest players in European basketball history, including:

• Dimitris Diamantidis – Club legend and one of Europe’s best defenders
• Fragiskos Alvertis – Symbol of club loyalty and leadership
• Dejan Bodiroga, Mike Batiste, Vassilis Spanoulis, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Nick Calathes
• Željko Obradović – Coach from 1999 to 2012, most successful in club history
• Ergin Ataman – Appointed head coach in 2023, won the EuroLeague title in 2024

In 2024, Panathinaikos won its seventh EuroLeague title under Ergin Ataman, defeating Real Madrid in the final held in Berlin, marking a triumphant return to continental dominance.

Arena and Fan Base

Panathinaikos plays home games at the OAKA Olympic Indoor Hall, located in Athens, with a capacity of over 18,000. The arena is known for its intense and passionate atmosphere, especially during EuroLeague derbies and matches against archrival Olympiacos Piraeus. The club’s supporters, known as Gate 13, are among the most dedicated and vocal in Europe, often creating vibrant choreographies and displays.

^{Panathinaikos vs Olympiacos (Created by artificial intelligence)}

Rivalry and Cultural Influence

Panathinaikos shares a fierce and historic rivalry with Olympiacos, a clash often referred to as the "Derby of the Eternal Enemies." This rivalry extends beyond basketball into football and other sports, making it one of the most intense in Europe. As a symbol of Athens and of Greek sports tradition, Panathinaikos has a significant cultural presence, not just as a basketball powerhouse, but as a club that embodies sporting excellence and tradition.