Basketball · Athens
Panathinaikos parts ways with Ergin Ataman, ending three-year era of success and recent setbacks
Panathinaikos announced today that head coach Ergin Ataman is leaving the club after three seasons, following this year's Euroleague playoff exit to Valencia and Greek league final defeat to Olympiacos.
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In brief
Ergin Ataman leaves Panathinaikos after three seasons as head coach, effective immediately.
During his spell, Ataman captured one Euroleague (2024), one Greek league (2024) and two Greek Cups (2025, 2026).
A Euroleague playoff exit to Valencia and a Greek league final loss to Olympiacos created a negative climate that prompted the change.
Panathinaikos BC posted a video on social media thanking Ataman for his service to the club.
- 2024Wins Euroleague and Greek Basket League
- 2025Wins first Greek Cup
- 2026Wins second Greek Cup
End of an era
Panathinaikos BC confirmed on 15 June 2026 that head coach Ergin Ataman's tenure is over. The club released a video on social media thanking the Turkish coach for his contribution to the team over the past three years. The decision follows a meeting between owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos and Ataman, after which both sides chose to go separate ways.
Trophy cabinet
Ataman led Panathinaikos to the top of European basketball in 2024, winning the Euroleague. That same year he also secured the Greek Basket League championship. He added two Greek Cup titles in 2025 and 2026, making him one of the club's more decorated recent coaches.
Season disappointments
The 2025–26 campaign ended on a sour note. Panathinaikos was eliminated by Valencia in the Euroleague playoffs and then lost the domestic league crown to archrival Olympiacos. The heavy atmosphere around the club, according to reports, forced the board to make an immediate change in order to return to winning ways next season.
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Sources and context
- Ergin Ataman
- Outgoing head coach of Panathinaikos BC, who led the club to a Euroleague title in 2024.
- Dimitris Giannakopoulos
- Owner of Panathinaikos BC, who met with Ataman before the separation was announced.
- Places
- Athens
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