Status of Ergin Ataman at Panathinaikos following meeting cancellation

A planned dinner meeting between Panathinaikos BC owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos and head coach Ergin Ataman, scheduled for May 21, 2026, was cancelled. The meeting was intended to review the team's Euroleague performance following their elimination from the tournament. Earlier, Giannakopoulos posted a social media message criticizing those who belittle the team, which some media outlets interpreted as a sign of potential conflict. Despite intense speculation regarding his departure, recent reports indicate Ataman will remain as coach at least until the end of the current season. Panathinaikos officially clarified that the training session held on May 21 was optional and that normal preparations for the GBL playoffs will continue under Ataman's guidance starting May 22. Conflicting reports from various media outlets had previously suggested an imminent exit for the coach, citing his absence from the team's return trip from Mykonos. The team is currently focused on the upcoming GBL playoff series, including a scheduled game against PAOK on May 28.