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.
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.
- Wins Euroleague and Greek Basket League
- Wins first Greek Cup
- Wins second Greek Cup
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.
