This year’s EuroLeague Final Four presents an exciting paradox as it shifts from Europe’s basketball strongholds to the desert landscape of Abu Dhabi. The city, known for its scorching May temperatures and humid conditions, is set to host this premier basketball event for the first time.
The Etihad Arena, an advanced sporting venue, will welcome the four top teams of the season: Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Fenerbahçe, and Monaco. Since the arrival of the teams, the atmosphere has felt almost surreal, with nighttime temperatures soaring to 32°C, coupled with dusty air and a city that thrives on a facade of artificial tranquility.
Olympiacos and Panathinaikos arrived on charter flights from Athens almost simultaneously yesterday. Players exchanged smiles and handshakes in front of cameras—an image soon to give way to intense game focus. The two rivals are staying in separate hotels, both for security and strategic reasons. Near the Yas Island arena, they have set up base in luxurious five-star accommodations, with coaching staffs tailoring specific training and recovery plans.
Olympiacos, led by Giorgos Bartzokas, carries a heavy legacy of near-misses, having seen finals slip away in the past. However, the players’ demeanor signals a new resolve: they are focused, energetic, and ready for action. Vezenkov appears more refined, Milutinov dominates the paint, and Fall adds a crucial element near the basket. If Fournier finds his rhythm, he could become the tournament’s game-changer. The ultimate aim is to reverse their history of regular-season prowess and reclaim the title in Piraeus for the first time since 2013.
Meanwhile, Panathinaikos, under Ergin Ataman, has one clear goal: to reclaim its championship title. The Turkish coach, known for his win-at-all-costs mentality, aims to repeat his success in Berlin. After a triumphant return last year, they are pursuing back-to-back victories with fierce determination. Ataman has cultivated a team skilled at knowing when to attack and when to hold back. Lesort’s uncertain status could impact the team’s dynamics, but Nunn’s leadership has been unwavering, complemented by Sloukas’ clutch performances.
Monaco and Fenerbahçe Join the Competition
Monaco, led by coach Vassilis Spanoulis and featuring players like Mike James, Okobo, and Diallo, holds its own in this high-stakes mix. With abundant talent, they are poised to upset the traditional powerhouses, though recent internal issues and disappointing performances in the French league may challenge their cohesion. Fenerbahçe, under Šarūnas Jasikevičius, arrives composed and mature, favored to win their semifinal against Panathinaikos, aiming to reclaim their 2017 glory. The big question for all teams remains: will they perform at their peak when it truly counts—on the court?
Strict Guidelines and a Controlled Environment
This high-stakes event is taking place under stringent regulations. Fan behavior inside the arena and outside actions are closely monitored. Offensive chants, banners, or behaviors typically overlooked at previous Final Fours will not be tolerated.
The Emirati authorities have issued clear warnings regarding compliance with these rules. The prevailing sentiment is that basketball is being showcased within a glass dome: impressive yet lacking spontaneity. Some are already dubbing it “the most dull Final Four” in history, particularly since alcohol consumption, among other things, is largely forbidden. Nevertheless, the event’s prestige remains intact.
The Etihad Arena is at full capacity—basketball enthusiasts from around the globe, including Greeks who’ve made the costly journey, and spectators hopeful for surprises. Tickets have sold out, and local hotels are bursting with reservations. Abu Dhabi is hosting a EuroLeague festival—extravagant, secure, and flawlessly organized. The 2025 Final Four marks more than just a pivotal basketball event; it’s a historic moment for the sport, paving the way for new markets and regions previously considered untouchable. Yet, this comes with its controversies.
Many are concerned about hosting in Abu Dhabi, given basketball’s limited popularity in the area. A walk through the city reveals a lack of signs or atmosphere typical of a major basketball event. Whether Panathinaikos will defend its title or Olympiacos finds redemption will unfold in a venue few ever anticipated: the desert, under the blazing sun, where European basketball is set to turn a new page.
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