In one of the most paradoxical yet thrilling moments in EuroLeague history, this year’s Final Four is moving from the traditional basketball capitals of Europe to the heart of the desert. Abu Dhabi, where the sun scorches even in May and the humidity clings to the skin, is hosting Europe’s top basketball event for the first time.
The Etihad Arena, a high-tech gem, welcomes the four best teams of the season: Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Fenerbahçe, and Monaco. From the moment the teams arrived, the atmosphere in Abu Dhabi has felt almost surreal. Temperatures reach up to 32°C even at night, with air heavy with desert dust, and a city that runs on a rhythm of artificial calm behind its shiny facades.
The Olympiacos and Panathinaikos delegations arrived almost simultaneously yesterday on charter flights from Athens. Players smiled and shook hands in front of the cameras—an image soon to be replaced by intense game focus. The two “eternal rivals” are staying in separate hotels—expected for both security and preparation reasons. Near the Yas Island arena, in five-star hotels, the teams have set up base, with technical staffs designing tailored training and recovery programs.
Olympiacos, under Giorgos Bartzokas, carries the weight of past disappointments—finals lost at the wire, opportunities slipping through their fingers. But this year, the players’ gaze tells a different story: clear, focused, energized. Vezenkov appears more mature than ever, Milutinov is dominant in the paint, and Fall adds a new dimension near the basket. Fournier, if he’s on form, might be the tournament’s x-factor. The goal is singular: to break the curse of regular season dominance and bring the title back to Piraeus for the first time since 2013.
On the other side, Panathinaikos under Ergin Ataman has arrived in Abu Dhabi with one mission: to reclaim the crown. The Turkish coach, who always plays to win, has come aiming to repeat his Berlin triumph. Having returned with force last year, this time as defending champion, he pursues back-to-back glory with passion. Ataman, with his characteristic “all-in” mindset, has built a team that knows when to press, when to pause, and when to strike. Lesort’s status remains uncertain—something that could affect the balance. The undisputed leader is Nunn, who has carried the team in key moments, while Sloukas remains a reliable clutch presence.
Monaco and Fenerbahçe Enter the Mix
Monaco, with coach Vassilis Spanoulis and players like Mike James, Okobo, and Diallo, has its own strong hand to play. A team packed with talent, ready to disrupt the plans of traditional powerhouses. However, it remains to be seen whether internal tensions and recent poor performances in the French league will affect their cohesion and performance. Fenerbahçe, led by Šarūnas Jasikevičius, arrives calm and mature, considered the favorite in the semifinal against Panathinaikos, aiming to relive the glory of 2017. The big question, as for all teams, is whether they’ll be at their best when it matters most—on the court.
Strict Rules and a Controlled Atmosphere
All this is happening under a strict code of conduct. Fan behavior in the stands, actions outside the arena—everything is under close surveillance. Offensive chants, banners, or behaviors that would go unnoticed at any other Final Four are strictly prohibited.
The Emirati authorities are not joking—they have warned of penalties for non-compliance. The prevailing sense is that basketball is being held inside a glass dome: impressive in scale, but devoid of spontaneity. Many are already calling it “the most boring Final Four” in the tournament’s history, especially given that alcohol consumption, among many other things, is nearly everywhere prohibited. Still, the event’s prestige remains untouched.
Etihad Arena is full—basketball fans from around the world, Greeks who traveled despite the high cost, and spectators hoping for a miracle. Tickets sold out, local hotels are overflowing with bookings. In Abu Dhabi, the EuroLeague is staging a festival—luxurious, safe, flawlessly organized. The 2025 Final Four is more than just a basketball stop. It’s a historic moment for the sport, a gateway into new markets and regions that once seemed out of reach. Yet, not without controversy.
Many express concern over the choice of Abu Dhabi, noting that basketball lacks widespread popularity in the region. Walking through the city, it’s hard to find any signs or atmosphere reminiscent of a major basketball event. And whether Panathinaikos defends its throne or Olympiacos finally finds redemption, it will happen in a setting few could have imagined. In the desert, under the scorching sun, European basketball is poised to write a new chapter.
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