Obradovic Reportedly on Verge of Returning to Panathinaikos

Greek reports say Zeljko Obradovic is all but certain to become Panathinaikos’ next coach after Ergin Ataman’s departure. The original report, published June 16, 2026 at 13:44, says the move is 99% complete and could be finalized within a week.

Greek journalist Spyros Kavaliratos said the information was not a guess. "It is not instinct, it is information," he said, adding that Obradovic would coach Panathinaikos with "99.9%" certainty. He compared the situation to other expected transfers in Greek basketball, saying Obradovic’s return to Panathinaikos is similarly imminent.

According to Grigoris Papaavasiliou, Panathinaikos was not the only club interested. Obradovic also received offers from Real Madrid and Barcelona, while Milan and Partizan monitored his status as well. He had left Partizan during the season despite an effort to convince him to stay.

Papaavasiliou added that "the field at Panathinaikos is clear" for Obradovic and said his relationship with club owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos has been repaired. He also said Obradovic would have a blank check to shape the roster and budget however he wants. Obradovic, 66, previously coached Panathinaikos from 1999 to 2012, leading the club to five EuroLeague titles. In total, he has won nine European championships, more than any other coach.