Panathinaikos backs Obradovic with record budget and EuroLeague ambitions
Panathinaikos officially announced on Sunday the return of Zeljko Obradovic, 66, on a huge three-year deal worth 12 million euros, the most expensive contract ever in European basketball. The announcement comes after Obradovic left Partizan Belgrade during the season.
According to SDNA, Panathinaikos is also preparing to raise its budget by 10 million euros from this season. The club’s current budget was reported at about 27 million euros, already the highest in Europe, which means next season it will field a historic player payroll described as unprecedented in European basketball.
The outlet added that Obradovic will have “almost unlimited financial backing” to bring in any player he believes fits best. The goal, both for the Serbian coach and for Panathinaikos, is clear, a return to the top of the EuroLeague.
One name already linked with the move is Jonas Valanciunas, who reportedly liked the post announcing Obradovic’s comeback to Athens, possibly hinting at a future move to OAKA. Obradovic previously coached Panathinaikos from 1999 to 2012, becoming a club legend by winning five EuroLeague titles, 11 Greek league championships, and seven Greek cups.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.