# Greek EuroLeague clubs payroll surge

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greek-euroleague-clubs-payroll-surge
> Updated: 2026-08-19T22:16:36.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 4.

In late July 2026, reports highlighted that several Greek EuroLeague players signed contracts that individually exceeded the net annual earnings of NBA star LeBron James. The highlighted salaries included €4.5 million for Olympiacos centre-forward Kenterik Nan and €4 million for Panathinaikos forward Nigel Hayes-Davis, among others.

By early August, both Olympiacos and Panathinaikos announced that they had assembled the most expensive rosters in EuroLeague history. Panathinaikos completed a squad costing over €40 million, adding multiple French forwards including Lessor, Jambusele, and Silvén François, while Olympiacos retained its core and added new imports. The two clubs entered the new season as early favourites for the EuroLeague title.

Mid-August reports indicated a broader trend in the EuroLeague summer transfer market toward high-value player buyouts rather than traditional free agent acquisitions, fueled by rising revenues. Greek clubs remained particularly active in this area; Panathinaikos paid €1.5 million to acquire Branco Baptista from Valencia, while Olympiacos spent €500,000 on Jean Montero and €400,000 on Embay Edi.

By late August, roster shifts continued across the league. While French club Asvel faced instability following the withdrawal of investors and the collapse of a major project led by Toni Parker, Olympiacos reportedly moved toward signing Nikolaos Plotas, a former top young player in the Greek league, as a potential replacement for Thomas Walkup.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Asvel and Olympiacos navigate significant EuroLeague roster changes

Asvel faces roster shifts following investor withdrawals, signing Myles Calle from Barcelona, while Olympiacos nears a deal for Nikolaos Plotas.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/asvel-and-olympiacos-navigate-significant-euroleague-roster-changes

### 2026-08-16: EuroLeague clubs see rise in summer player buyouts

EuroLeague clubs are increasingly utilizing expensive player buyouts this summer to build stronger rosters, with Greek teams Panathinaikos and Olympiacos making major financial moves.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/euroleague-clubs-see-rise-in-summer-player-buyouts

### 2026-08-05: EuroLeague Greek Giants Olympiacos, Panathinaikos Assemble Record Rosters

Olympiacos and Panathinaikos have built record‑high EuroLeague rosters, with Panathinaikos spending over €40 million and adding French players who recently vacationed together in Mykonos.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/euroleague-greek-giants-olympiacos-panathinaikos-assemble-record-rosters

### 2026-07-23: Greek EuroLeague players earn more than LeBron James

Eight Olympiacos and Panathinaikos players will earn more than LeBron James' $8 million two‑year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, with top salaries reaching €4.5 million.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-euroleague-players-earn-more-than-lebron-james

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Cite as: Greek EuroLeague clubs payroll surge. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greek-euroleague-clubs-payroll-surge