Kostas Antetokoumpo has officially signed a new three-year contract with Aris, further strengthening the Greek club’s long-term project as they aim to establish themselves among Europe’s elite. The move comes after six-month loan spell and signals clear ambition from both player and club heading into the next phase of their development.
Kostas Antetokoumpo arrived at Aris in January 2026 on loan from Olympiacos and quickly became an important rotation piece. Across 16 appearances in all competitions, he delivered solid performances that convinced the Thessaloniki club to secure his services on a permanent long-term deal.
The signing is part of a wider strategic push by Aris, who have set clear goals of returning to top-level European competition and eventually joining the EuroLeague. The club’s project has gained significant momentum following key structural changes, including the appointment of Vassilis Spanoulis as head coach.
Spanoulis, one of the most respected figures in European basketball, turned down interest from multiple EuroLeague clubs in order to lead the Aris project in Greece. His arrival has already had a major impact on the club’s direction, attracting strong fan engagement and increasing expectations for the upcoming season.
Kostas Antetokoumpo on Aris future and EuroCup challenge
Speaking after signing his new deal, Kostas Antetokoumpo expressed his satisfaction with returning to Aris on a long-term basis and highlighted his belief in the club’s upward trajectory.
“I am very happy to be part of this historic team. I have wonderful memories and experiences from last season and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. It definitely helps that I played in Aris last year and that I know what to expect in terms of basketball at the EuroCup level.
Aris is really on the rise and we can all see that. I believe the upcoming season will be a challenge. Both for us who are players and members of the team and for all our fans.” – Antetokoumpo said.
The presence of Spanoulis on the bench was also a key factor in his decision. Kostas Antetokoumpo previously worked under him in the Greek national team setup, which adds an extra layer of familiarity and trust to their professional relationship.
“The coach is a great coach and I have respect and trust in him. I hope that the collaboration will have the same results as in the National Team.” – he added.
Kostas Antetokoumpo sends message to Aris fans
The announcement of Spanoulis as head coach triggered an immediate reaction from the Aris fan base. Season tickets were reportedly sold out in record time, underlining the renewed optimism surrounding the club’s project.
Antetokoumpo also addressed the supporters directly, emphasizing the strong connection he has already built with the club’s environment.
“The love I felt here in Aris is truly unreal. It made me feel like I was part of the family right away, and that’s very important to me. I really love them and I’m ready to give my best and beyond.”
The signing of Kostas Antetokoumpo represents more than just roster stability. It adds depth, athleticism, and defensive versatility to a team that is clearly building with long-term competitiveness in mind. His familiarity with both the system and EuroCup-level competition could prove crucial as Aris targets progression on the continental stage.
Alongside head coach Spanoulis, Aris have also officially added Khem Birch and Nenad Dimitrijevic as new signings, further underlining the club’s major ambitions for the upcoming season.
All the latest official EUROLEAGUE TRANSACTIONS, including signings, departures, and contract extensions, can be followed in real time on the Basketball Sphere live transfer tracker – which is updated daily and covers all key roster changes across Europe.
