All that was said during the presentation of the collaboration with ArrenA
In a spirit of optimism and strategic renewal for the future of the team, Olympiacos BC presented its new sponsorship collaboration with ArrenA Natural Mineral Water.
Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos, the presidents of the team, are joining forces with the Tsakos Group, one of the world’s leading shipping companies, through a landmark sponsorship deal. This agreement brings together two powerful Greek entities with a global presence, united by shared values of dedication, quality, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
The welcome address was delivered by Olympiacos’ Sports Director, Christos Bafes, who opened the event with the following statement:
“The power of nature meets the power of sports. With great pleasure, Olympiacos BC welcomes ArrenA Water into our family—an authentically Greek ally of refreshment, energy, and purity. Together with the company ‘Nera Pigon Grammou S.A.,’ we share the same values: quality, passion, and responsibility. Because in professional sports, as in life, these are the elements that make the difference. The goal for both of us: the top. For the next three years, the Champions of Greece will quench their thirst with ArrenA Water,” he said, before handing over the floor to Olympiacos co-president Mr. Giorgos Angelopoulos for an opening statement.
In attendance at the sponsorship presentation were the Presidents of Olympiacos BC, Mr. Panagiotis and Mr. Giorgos Angelopoulos, the owner of ARRENA and Olympiacos supporter Mr. Nikos Tsakos, and the CEO of “Nera Pigon Grammou S.A.,” Mr. Periklis Katrivanos.
Speeches and Statements
Giorgos Angelopoulos: “Good evening. Thank you all for being here with us today. This is an important day for Olympiacos and for us personally. We welcome the Tsakos family into the Olympiacos family. And when we say family, we mean the patriarch, Captain Panagiotis, founder and leading figure of the Group; Nikos Tsakos, a very good friend of ours; and Panagiotis Tsakos, Nikos’s son and a worthy continuer of the legacy.
Three generations of fans, three generations of the Tsakos family, who have consistently supported the team closely, for years, for decades, standing by us at SEF (Peace and Friendship Stadium) and always near the club. Today, we are happy to officially welcome them into the Olympiacos family through this new three-year sponsorship partnership. The Tsakos family has reached the top globally in the maritime field, earning worldwide recognition in the shipping industry with remarkable achievements; always with a humble profile and strong values. For us, this partnership goes beyond the commercial aspect; it also carries personal and emotional significance. We share common principles and philosophies.”
Panagiotis Angelopoulos: “Good evening, everyone. I, too, would like to welcome the Tsakos family to Olympiacos. Today we inaugurate a very important three-year sponsorship agreement. We are very happy that such a major maritime family, one of the largest Greek fleets with over 100 ships, is joining us. This gives us joy and strength.
Let me share a story: Back in 2004, when we first got involved with Olympiacos just to help out, without holding any shares yet - before officially taking over Olympiacos BC in 2009 - we had a conversation with Captain Panagiotis and Nikos Tsakos. It seems that the time has now come. After all these years of their steady presence, at Final Fours, at the SEF, this long-standing relationship is now sealed with this sponsorship agreement.
Everything in life happens at the right time and for a reason. We’ll see where this collaboration leads. What’s certain is that Olympiacos is getting stronger, and only better days lie ahead. Even better ones.”
Nikos Tsakos: “There is no greater honor for us. Thank you warmly for your hospitality; especially on behalf of my father, who - despite his age - still comes to the SEF and enjoys watching the team. We are people of the salty sea, but for Olympiacos, we also became people of fresh water. Thank you to Panagiotis and Giorgos for our long-standing friendship, it’s been more than 25 years now. Their fighting spirit, integrity, and love for the team match the purity of ArrenA water. The water of Champions. Our source is inexhaustible; located in Grammos, in a remote region of Greece. And for Olympiacos, only the top is fitting. This partnership came about through a chemistry that formed naturally. Let us wish the team great success. We are always here.”
Periklis Katrivanos: “This commercial partnership is extremely important for our company, Nera Pigon Grammou S.A., as it connects us with a global brand like Olympiacos. Our visibility will skyrocket, and this collaboration is leading us higher; to the top.”
Nikos Tsakos (follow-up): “We’re not expecting to recoup the investment immediately through water sales. But it’s a significant contribution to the region as well, since Grammos is in a border area, and many people are employed in the most modern factory of its kind.”
Periklis Katrivanos (follow-up): “Our water is considered the best Greek natural mineral water - free of nitrates and with an ideal pH. It doesn’t come from drilling, but from a spring. It is filtered and bottled without human intervention or exposure to air or sunlight. In March 2026, we plan to launch a new glass bottling line for still and sparkling water, including flavored options. We’re also investing in sustainability: hydroelectric power, solar panels, and energy independence.”
After the statements, the speakers took questions, with Mr. Nikos Tsakos offering a heartfelt reflection: “I grew up in Pasalimani, next to the small Olympiacos courts. My childhood memories are tied to the team. My first joys were at the Papastrateio, watching the legends of basketball. Major highlights for me were Istanbul, London, Rome… Olympiacos has given us incredible moments and far more joy than disappointment. Our water source is inexhaustible, just like Olympiacos’ thirst for success. Our goal is for this partnership to be long-lasting. This is not just a simple sponsorship, but a strategic alignment of values. We are moved by the family-friendly atmosphere at the SEF, women, children, families. We are also investing in the fan experience: lounges, kid- and family-friendly concessions. We want the SEF to offer a holistic experience like the great European arenas. This collaboration links the authenticity of ArrenA water with the authenticity of Olympiacos. We are proud to be here today, and we are certain this is only the beginning.”
Giorgos Angelopoulos on the SEF development: “As you know, the case of the SEF has been ongoing for four years now, in collaboration with the government. Recently, there has been progress, despite significant delays. The current situation is this: full agreement has been reached regarding the area that will be granted to Olympiacos after many discussions. All studies and necessary works have been completed, as well as the cost allocation. The land area and required works have been agreed upon and finalized.
However, there is still one major pending issue of urban planning nature. Our vision is to create a unified coastal front, connecting Mikrolimano with the Tae Kwon Do Arena, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, and further beyond.
We’ve already submitted a relevant proposal to the government. We want visitors to be able to walk or cycle from Mikrolimano all the way down the coast, through a continuous seaside park; something that would become a major attraction for everyone. This isn’t being done for Olympiacos or the Angelopoulos family, but for Piraeus, for Attica, for the country.
Studies show that the project would have enormous impact. Mr. Hardalias (Minister) announced a broader coastal plan today (July 9), and we believe it’s self-evident that development in the Metropolitan Park (Aenaon) must be consistent, coherent, and unified. Our proposal is complete, has been submitted, and is based entirely on private funding, we are not asking the state for anything. Any work to be done around the SEF in this direction will be funded solely by us. That is crystal clear.
We are working with the planners of the Metropolitan Park and the architects of the SEF for a unified design. Any urban development expert would say this is the right solution.
If this issue isn’t resolved within the next few weeks, Olympiacos won’t be able to move into the new arena before the 2028–2029 season. That would be catastrophic for everyone. In essence, it would be like giving our rival club an €80 million advantage. This situation cannot continue. As I mentioned, everything else has been agreed upon; what remains is the urban planning approval, based on Piraeus’ problematic urban plan in some areas.
We are not asking for state money. If the plan goes ahead, we will be talking about something amazing. If not, we will need to pursue a different direction. But that’s a decision for the government, not us. No private party can act unilaterally. It must be in collaboration with the government. We’re now waiting for the final decisions to see how we move forward. But this is clearly what we want to do.”
Asked whether there is a Plan B, Mr. Giorgos Angelopoulos replied: “No, we will not pursue another solution. At this point, there are only two scenarios. The plan gets approved - which, from what we understand, has already received initial positive feedback from the relevant authorities, although the official green light hasn’t been given yet - in which case, we will proceed as described... Or the green light is not given, and we will continue to play at SEF. There is no alternative. But in that case, nothing will be done. To put it simply; those of you here can walk outside after this press conference and see the surrounding area. It will remain just as you see it today: abandoned.
If that’s what we want for our area, then that’s a different discussion. Olympiacos will stay at the SEF, one way or another, either in a SEF with surroundings that match the vision we’ve outlined (and which I believe everyone deserves), or in the SEF as it currently is.
And let’s emphasize again; this redevelopment involves no government funding. I think that’s clear. Or maybe not. If the process doesn’t start in the next few weeks, it will be catastrophic for the team. At this point, there is no other solution apart from the SEF.”
Panagiotis Angelopoulos added: “It will take two seasons to complete the necessary works. These will be carried out in phases, during the months when the team is not playing, meaning from June to October or November each year. Olympiacos will not leave the SEF; we will continue playing there as normal. However, if the process is delayed in starting, then we’re looking at completion in the 2028–2029 season, which is completely unreasonable, especially when compared to what is happening at the OAKA. And let me be clear; we are not against what’s being done there; development is good.
But there is a massive gap in resources and revenue. The difference is vast. We are managing it, because we can shoulder the burden. But I don’t think any other businessperson could withstand this.”
Clarifications in response to journalists' questions:
On the delay in starting works at SEF: “The concession agreement for the SEF to Olympiacos has not yet been finalized. Without the official concession, no works can begin. Nevertheless, millions have already been invested by Olympiacos, and all the required studies are complete. We are ready.”
On the urban planning issue: “The problem lies in the special urban plan of the Municipality of Piraeus, which requires amendments to allow for land-use approval, building square footage, etc. A full technical analysis can’t be given here, but a complete proposal has been submitted. It aligns with all specifications and envisions a unified coastal front, with pedestrian paths, bike lanes, and more.”
On sports facilities: “The swimming facility is being developed by Olympiacos’ amateur sports club (Erasitechnis). We are in full agreement and cooperation with them, but it does not fall under Olympiacos BC’s (basketball club’s) responsibility. It will be constructed on land that will also be granted to us and will border the section we are undertaking. Naturally, it will increase the overall value of the investment and the entire area. We fully support the project, but it belongs to the Erasitechnis.”
On equal treatment (isonomy): “We have repeatedly raised this issue with the state. When the Minister speaks about equal treatment, it must be acknowledged that there’s a clear disparity in infrastructure. SEF is older, includes a track, has a different capacity, and requires a much larger investment to be transformed into a modern basketball arena. Panathinaikos acquired their arena at least three years earlier, giving them a head start worth more than €20 million. This cannot be considered equal treatment.”