Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA). Photo source: Growthfund
The Region of Attica will invest 165 million euros over the next five years to create a state-of-the-art National Sports Centers Network, aiming to elevate Greece’s presence on the global sports stage.
Announced recently by Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias during a radio interview, the initiative will establish four major venues — dedicated to basketball, volleyball, handball, and aquatics — providing Greece’s national teams and sports federations with top-tier infrastructure to train and host international tournaments.
“Sports are an investment in our children, our society, and our national image,” said Hardalias. “Major events act as multipliers, enhancing Attica’s global visibility.”
By October, the regional aithority will complete feasibility studies and present detailed implementation timelines.
According to Hardalias, the goal is for national athletes to see Attica as a leading force in international sports.
Two National Sports Observatories planned
In a parallel effort, two National Sports Observatories are in development — one for Winter Olympic ice sports, and another for combat sports such as taekwondo, wrestling, and boxing.
These will be created in cooperation with the General Secretariat of Sports and other public institutions, further reinforcing Attica’s sports infrastructure.
Attica eyes 2026 EuroLeague Final Four
The Greek basketball team Panathinaikos won the 2007 EuroLeague Final Four, which was hosted at the OAKA arena in Athens. Photo source: EuroLeague
Highlighting the authority’s ambitions, Hardalias said that Attica is preparing to submit an official bid to host the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four — one of the world’s premier basketball events — at the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA). Just days ahead of the submission, Hardalias met with EuroLeague President Dejan Bodiroga to discuss the candidacy.
“The regional authority will work closely with the Finance and Sports ministries to support the bid and ensure smooth execution,” Hardalias said.
Attica’s proven track record includes hosting major international events such as the Authentic Athens Marathon, the Acropolis Eco Rally, the Women’s EuroBasket, the Aegean 600 Sailing Race, and the European Final Fours in both men’s and women’s basketball — underscoring its readiness to become a regional sports hub.
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