It’s been 112 days since the last day of action in the Stoiximan GBL, but the Greek league is back!

14 teams from 8 different geographic regions and 182 regular-season games.

The league, which is expected to be more exciting and competitive than ever, kicks off today, Saturday (October 3), with five games on the schedule!

Mykonos Betsson – PAOK

The history of the 35th Stoiximan GBL will begin to be written on this Cycladic island. Mykonos Betsson is entering its second season in the league, having made the playoffs in its first.

PAOK, with new head coach Andrea Trinchieri and several high-profile signings, has already made a strong impression, following its appearance in the Stoiximan Super Cup final and its victory over Manresa at the Palataki. Tip-off for the game is at 3:00 p.m.

Kolossos Rhodes – Doxa Lefkada

Two of the three island teams will face off in Rhodes. Kolossos is entering its 20th season in the Stoiximan GBL, where it has competed since the 2005–06 season, with the sole exception of the 2006–07 season. There have been many changes to the roster, but not on the bench, where Aris Lykoiannis remains.

Doxa Lefkada, on the other hand, is returning after its only season in the division, in 2016–17. Thodoris Terzis remains at the helm, with the team from the Ionian Islands looking to secure its first-ever victory against Kolossos (the Rhodians lead the series 2-0). Tip-off for the game is at 4:00 p.m.

AEK – Marousi

The two “yellow-and-black” teams kick off the Stoiximan GBL season with a matchup against each other. AEK begins the season with Dragan Sakota once again at the helm, aiming to maintain its prominent position in Greek basketball, amid significant improvements by PAOK and Aris.

On the other hand, Marousi continues its partnership with Ilias Papatheodorou and is aiming for a much better season than last year, when it essentially saved its place in the league on the very last game day. It’s worth noting that the team from the northern suburbs lost all three of its season openers following its return to the Stoiximan GBL: an away loss to Panathinaikos in 2023–24 (82-71), against Promitheas Patras at home in 2024-25 (80-84), and at home against Olympiacos in 2025-26 (81-100). The game will tip off at 4:00 p.m.

Prometheus Patras – Peristeri Betsson

Promitheas Patras, with a revamped roster and Giorgos Vovoras on the bench, returns to its home court for an opening-night game for the first time in six years. The only one of its 10 seasons in the Stoiximan GBL that began with a game in Patras was the 2020–21 season, when it defeated PAOK 83–80.

For its part, Peristeri Betsson aims to build on last season’s highly successful campaign with Vasilis Xanthopoulos at the helm, continuing its partnership with the veteran guard. They have a total of 4 wins in 10 away openers. The game will tip off at 5:00 p.m.

Karditsa – Aris

The final game of the first day of the season opener will take place in Karditsa, with the Thessalian team hosting Aris, just as they did in last year’s Stoiximan GBL opener!

With Nikos Papanikolopoulos back as head coach but a new roster, Karditsa aims to improve its performance and standing in its fifth consecutive season in the top division, following a season in which it fought to avoid relegation.

On the other hand, Aris is one of the most intriguing projects in Greek basketball. With Vassilis Spanoulis on the bench and an expensive, highly motivated roster, the Thessaloniki team aims to return to the… glory days of the past. The game will tip off at 5:30 p.m.

Here is the full schedule for the first round:

Saturday, October 3

• 3:00 p.m. Mykonos – PAOK
• 4:00 p.m. Kolossos Rhodes – Doxa Lefkada
• 4:00 p.m. AEK – Marousi
• 5:00 p.m. Prometheus – Peristeri
• 5:30 p.m. Karditsa – Aris

Sunday, October 4

• 1:00 p.m. Panathinaikos – Vikos Falcons
• 5:30 p.m. Heraklis – Olympiacos

*photo source: KYPE