3on3 Road to Glory returns more dynamic than ever, transforming the basketball experience into a multidimensional urban event. On May 16 and 17, the City of Athens, in collaboration with Novibet, will turn Kotzia Square into the city’s largest NBA-inspired outdoor basketball court. For two days, more than 400 players and over 100 teams will come together in an event that brings the rhythm, intensity and culture of the contemporary street game to the heart of Athens.
The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, stated:
Once again, the heart of the world’s leading basketball league beats in Kotzia Square. This weekend holds many surprises for basketball fans. Vassilis Spanoulis and other top Greek players will take part in a 3-on-3 charity game where every point counts. We will also welcome an NBA legend, nine-time NBA All-Star Gary Payton, as well as the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the authentic NBA trophy, for those who did not have the chance to take a photo with it. Athens is investing more and more in initiatives that bring sport into public space and make the city more vibrant and more human. It is especially important that this event combines the joy of the game with social contribution, supporting the work of the Hellenic Red Cross. We look forward to experiencing the authentic energy of the NBA together.
Giorgos Bozas, Novibet’s Marketing Director Europe, noted:
At Novibet, we believe in the power of sport to inspire, unite and create experiences that bring people closer together. As an NBA sponsor in Greece and Cyprus, we are particularly proud to bring the authentic energy and culture of the NBA to the heart of Athens for the second consecutive year, through an open experience accessible to everyone. This year, 3on3 Road to Glory returns even bigger and more dynamic than last year, reaffirming our commitment to offering high-value experiences for the public and the basketball community. With the valuable support of the City of Athens, we are transforming Kotzia Square into a unique meeting point for basketball fans, creating a special two-day event that combines sport, entertainment and the dynamic experience of contemporary urban basketball culture.
The authentic NBA trophy at Kotzia Square
At the centre of 3on3 Road to Glory this year will once again be the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the authentic NBA trophy, returning to Greece exclusively for the event. Players and fans will have the unique opportunity to stand next to one of the most iconic symbols of world basketball, while this year’s event will extend beyond the courts of Kotzia Square through a special trophy tour at landmark locations across Athens.
3on3 Road to Glory is more than a tournament. It is the ultimate basketball event, created for those who live and breathe the game.
100 teams and more than 400 players
High-energy matchups, music, audience activities, interactive challenges and special basketball showcases will shape a two-day experience where the game moves beyond the limits of the court and becomes part of the city.
The event will welcome legendary Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, NBA champion and nine-time NBA All-Star Gary Payton. Known as “The Glove” for his outstanding defensive skills, Payton comes to Athens to watch the games, meet fans and take part in special activities during the event, bringing part of the authentic NBA experience to the Greek audience.
An outdoor tournament with a social purpose
As part of 3on3 Road to Glory at Kotzia Square, a charity 3-on-3 mini tournament will take place on Sunday, May 17, from 18:30 to 19:30. The event will be held within Giant Heart, Novibet’s corporate social responsibility programme, with the aim of supporting the Social Tutoring Centre of the Hellenic Red Cross in Athens.
It will be a celebration of sport and social contribution in the heart of the city, with the participation of basketball legends, active stars, journalists and a team from the Hellenic Red Cross. Vassilis Spanoulis and many more legends of Greek sport will also be present, strengthening the message of giving and solidarity through sport.
Participants will symbolically compete in 3-on-3 games with the goal of scoring as many baskets as possible, which will then be converted into financial support for the Hellenic Red Cross.
Giant Heart – All-Star Game Programme | Sunday, May 17
18:15–18:25 | Gathering at Kotzia Square, VIP Area – Collection of special jerseys for participation in the Giant Heart Basketball Charity Tournament
18:30–18:33 | Welcome address by the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas
18:33–18:36 | Welcome address by the President of the Hellenic Red Cross, Dr Antonios Avgerinos
18:36–18:39 | Welcome address by Novibet – Giant Heart, Elona Poukamisa, Head of PR, CSR & Corporate Communications, Novibet
18:39–19:27 | Giant Heart Charity Basketball Tournament, a special charity basketball tournament with the participation of leading figures from Greek basketball
19:27–19:30 | Winning Team Award Ceremony, presented by the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukasat respects and protects life in all its forms. More information: https://delos.worldhumanforum.earth/
