Can a sports event redefine a city’s economic and cultural future? Chaired by Dora Panteli (Novasport), "Mega-Events as a Strategic Economic Catalyst: The Case of the EuroLeague Final Four 2026" explores how short-term global attention can be converted into a lasting legacy for a host city.
This conversation portrays the Final Four in Athens as more than just a weekend basketball tournament. Outlining the massive scale of the event, Dejan Bodiroga (EuroLeague Basketball) and George Mavrikis (Euroleague Final 4 Athens 2026) unpack the mechanics of turning a mega-event into a long-term investment. Nikos Petrakis (Visa Greece) and Theodoros Papaloukas (Basketball Incubation) talk about the critical infrastructure required for operational excellence. What are the steps needed to maximize visitor engagement and transform a weekend tournament into an economic engine?