Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens are making a major statement by bringing back legendary head coach Zeljko Obradovic on one of the most valuable coaching deals in European basketball.
According to George Zakkas of SDNA, Panathinaikos and Obradovic have agreed to a three-year contract worth €12 million.
The move reunites the club with the coach who oversaw the most successful period in its history and reflects its ambition to return to the top of European basketball.
Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos is also reportedly prepared to increase the club’s annual budget by another €10 million, further strengthening the team’s ability to compete for top talent and major trophies.
Obradovic returns to Athens 14 years after the end of his iconic first spell with the club.
Between 1999 and 2012, he led the Greens to five EuroLeague titles, 11 Greek League championships, and seven Greek Cups, establishing one of the greatest dynasties in European basketball.
At 66, Obradovic remains the most decorated coach in European basketball history, having won nine EuroLeague titles with five different clubs.
Most recently, he coached Partizan Belgrade from 2021 to 2025, winning two ABA League titles and guiding the Serbian side back into contention at the highest level before stepping down in November 2025 despite strong support from the club’s fans.
Contract details: https://t.co/sBB8Wz4odz
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) June 21, 2026
