ONE TEAM AWARDS
The One Team Awards recognize the efforts made by EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup clubs to integrate their communities using basketball. The 2025 shortlist highlights eight clubs that have delivered outstanding work in their local communities, supporting those who are, or at risk of being marginalized, during the 2024-25 season. The clubs in the shortlist are contenders for Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards and Best One Team Ambassador that will be announced during the One Team 15th Annual Workshop.
Shortlisted Clubs
BASKONIA VITORIA-GASTEIZ
- With 55 sessions delivered, plus Christmas camps, arena visits, backstage access, and involvement from teachers and club staff, the program offered an enriching experience. The participant group featured a nearly equal gender balance and welcomed children new to basketball, all supported by a dedicated team of coaches and a social worker focused on fostering social inclusion. Khalifa Diop, the club’s One Team Ambassador, once again made an impressive impact during the program and was an exemplary role model for the participants. Baskonia’s decade-long dedication and holistic approach underscore the genuine impact of their One Team journey.
- Judges praised Baskonia’s strong consistency and long-term commitment, having supported many of the same children over a ten-year period. The program offered an enriching and memorable experience through a large number of weekly sessions, festive Christmas camps, behind-the-scenes arena tours, and matchday involvement. The group reflected a strong focus on inclusion, with a near-even gender split and several children new to the sport, all supported by a dedicated team of coaches and a social worker. Communications were engaging and heartfelt, with creative touches such as birthday celebrations, a powerful change story, and strong social media activity.
CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA LJUBLJANA
- Innovatively introduced an internship initiative that prepared participants for job-related tasks, including merchandising, email communication, and event operations. The program’s visibility was amplified through national TV coverage, active social media engagement, and a dynamic online presence. Personalized touches like amusement park visits, professional haircuts, Christmas gifts, and diplomas added meaning to the participants' journeys. With consistent involvement from Ziga Daneu, Cedevita’s One Team Ambassador, and support from other players, the club demonstrated genuine commitment. Backed by a major banking sponsor and a transparent fundraising campaign that raised €4,200 via blockchain, the program combined innovation, care, and community support to make a lasting impact.
- Judges were particularly impressed by Cedevita Olimpija’s focus on real-world skill-building and inclusion, with a participant group made up with two thirds of new faces, including many with no prior basketball experience. The innovative internship initiative stood out, offering participants valuable exposure to event preparation, merchandising, email etiquette, and sponsor relations. Good community backing was evident through the fundraising campaign with blockchain as mentioned, and the involvement of their sponsor. Furthermore, the program’s visibility improved with national TV coverage, consistent online storytelling, and presence across all major platforms, while Ambassador Ziga Daneu and other players actively inspired participants throughout the season.
EA7 EMPORIO ARMANI MILAN
- Combining strong planning with impactful participant experiences, the program was built around clear life-skill objectives and consistent delivery. Many participants took part, with a nearly even gender split – 49% female and 51% male – reflecting the club’s commitment to balanced participation. The initiative was driven by strong internal leadership, including proactive One Team Managers, and three One Team Ambassadors – Ousmane Diop, Shavon Shields, and Giampaollo Ricci - ensuring visibility and quality throughout. The program thoughtfully integrated key themes such as International Women’s Day and Olympic values, using discussion-based learning alongside basketball activities. Communications were consistently strong across multiple platforms, with honest and inspiring change stories that highlighted personal growth and real-life impact.
- Judges praised EA7 Emporio Armani Milan for their high session volume and well-structured delivery, offering weekly frequent sessions, with a clear focus on life skills and meaningful objectives, as noted above. The program’s balanced participation as mentioned - nearly equal between female and male players - reflected a strong commitment to inclusion. Participants enjoyed memorable experiences such as behind-the-scenes match access, pitch appearances, and close interaction with three dedicated One Team Ambassadors, as mentioned earlier. The integration of key themes as noted above, like International Women’s Day and the Olympic values through discussion-based learning, added depth to the basketball activities. Communication efforts were consistent and compelling across multiple platforms, featuring honest and varied change stories that highlighted individual progress and personal growth throughout the season.
FC BAYERN MUNICH
- The club’s One Team program blended creativity, inclusion, and community engagement. Over 26 diverse sessions, the participants took part in music workshops with the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, dance and art sessions, and drawing exercises, broadening the learning experience beyond the court. The program reached 100 participants, who had never played basketball before. Visibility was strong, with content shared across multiple platforms, alongside a detailed impact report and powerful storytelling. Memorable experiences – such as visits to SAP Garden, creative workshops, and designing fan items for One Team games – helped foster confidence, joy, and lasting connections among participants.
- Judges applauded FC Bayern Munich’s strong and creative delivery, as noted above, with diverse sessions going beyond basketball to include music workshops with the Munich Philharmonic, dance, art, and drawing exercises. The program reached an impressive number of participants, as mentioned earlier, supported by four actively engaged One Team Ambassadors. Collaboration with social partners Münchner Waisenhaus and Just M, alongside backing from the Regine Sixt Children’s Aid Foundation, added valuable community support. Communication efforts were comprehensive, utilizing all social media channels - including LinkedIn - as well as producing a detailed impact report and compelling video stories. Memorable experiences such as trips, participant-designed paper clappers for the One Team Games, and gifts from youth players further enriched the program and meaningful connections.
LDLC ASVEL VILLEURBANNE
- Delivered an outstanding One Team program which was marked by a deep commitment to inclusion. With 138 sessions across children, teens, and adults, the club provided ongoing, tailored support – particularly for autistic participants – through the involvement of a multidisciplinary team including doctors and psychologists. The program was strongly backed by club sponsors through donations and hands-on volunteering, while Shaquielle Harrison, Paris Lee, and Charles Kahudi played a key role as One Team Ambassadors across sessions, events, and media appearances, strengthening both visibility and participant connection. Beyond basketball, the participants engaged in a wide range of enriching experiences like climbing, rugby, TV appearances, and activities at the Paralympic Village, helping build confidence and valuable life skills. The sessions were well-structured with clear learning outcomes, supported by strong storytelling, and excellent social media presence, making ASVEL a standout example of One Team in action.
- Judges highlighted LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne’s extensive and consistent delivery, as noted above, with sessions across children, teens, and adults, including weekly training that provided strong continuity and tailored support. The program’s deep commitment to inclusion, particularly for autistic participants supported by a multidisciplinary team, was further strengthened by active involvement from multiple ambassadors as mentioned earlier. Strong community and commercial backing from three club sponsors, alongside a wide range of enriching participant experiences such as rugby matches, climbing, Paralympic Village activities, and media appearances, enhanced both engagement and confidence. Communication efforts were robust across social media platforms including Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube, complemented by detailed storytelling and a comprehensive presentation deck, making ASVEL a standout example of One Team’s impact in action.
OLYMPIACOS PIRAEUS
- Executed a dynamic and inclusive One Team program that showcased the power of collaboration and creativity. By bringing together two social partners, the club fostered connections among youngsters from different backgrounds, encouraging shared development and understanding. Over 12 thoughtfully planned weekly sessions, participants experienced a range of activities – from basketball drills and confidence workshops to special themed days such as Hero Day and Women’s Day, along with gardening and cultural outings. Shaquielle McKissic, Sasha Vezenkov, and Giannoulis Larentzakis supported the program, boosting both participant involvement and overall visibility. Communication was consistently strong, with a visible presence on social media and across the EuroLeague network.
- Judges praised Olympiacos Piraeus for their strong community partnerships, as noted above, successfully engaging young people from different backgrounds and special education settings through two dedicated social partners. The program’s consistent delivery of sessions featured detailed planning and a mix of basketball drills, confidence-building, and creative themed activities such as Hero Day and Women’s Day, as mentioned. Ambassador involvement was notable, with three ambassadors actively supporting participant engagement and increasing visibility. Creative and inclusive experiences, including gardening and cultural excursions, further enriched the program. Communication efforts were robust across social media platforms and the club website, complemented by heartfelt testimonials and positive survey feedback that highlighted meaningful impacts on confidence and inclusion.
PANATHINAIKOS AKTOR ATHENS
- Implemented a highly structured and impactful One Team program centered on consistency, teamwork, and empowering participants. With weekly sessions facilitated by a committed group of coaches and volunteers, the program offered stability and skill-building opportunities throughout the season. Ambassadors played a vital role – especially Juancho Hernangómez, who was present at every session and helped raise the program’s profile through media appearances and events. The initiative was distinguished by its innovative “assistant coach for a day” activity, giving participants practical leadership experience and employability skills. Strong partnerships with Special Olympics Hellas, combined with active support from club coaches and sponsors, ensured credibility and integration at all levels. The program’s communication strategy was equally strong, with high-profile media coverage, detailed reporting, and strong social media engagement. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting gains in confidence, teamwork, and personal growth.
- Judges praised Panathinaikos Aktor Athens for their strong and consistent delivery, running 15 to 16 weekly sessions supported by a dedicated team of coaches and volunteers, as noted above. The meaningful ambassador involvement, especially Juancho Hernangómez’s consistent presence and media promotion, as mentioned, greatly enhanced the program’s visibility and impact. Collaboration with Special Olympics Hellas, along with active involvement from club coaches and sponsors, reinforced the program’s integration and comprehensive approach. The innovative “assistant coach for a day” initiative offered participants valuable leadership and employability skills, adding a unique dimension to the experience. Communications efforts were excellent, featuring a detailed impact report, wide media coverage, and strong social media engagement. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting notable growth in confidence, teamwork, and personal development throughout the season.
UMANA REYER VENICE
- With a focus on emotional impact and inclusive participation, the club ran a powerful One Team program supported by high-quality communication. Over 13 sessions, it also advanced broader social goals such as internships and residential engagement. Participants were involved in impactful events like anti-violence walks, unified games, and in-arena recognitions, fostering pride, visibility, and a sense of belonging. The program’s strong media presence – through weekly social media posts, One Team Ambassadors (Juan Manuel Fernandez and Davide Casarin) activity, and TV/radio features – helped extend its reach and influence. Backed by powerful personal stories, the initiative proved its effectiveness and emotional resonance, highlighting the true spirit of One Team.
- Judges praised Umana Reyer Venice for their high-quality communications and media presence, with the weekly social media content, ambassador involvement, and TV/radio appearances that boosted the program’s profile and outreach. The emotional and inclusive participant experiences, as mentioned earlier, were strengthened through meaningful events such as anti-violence walks, unified games, and matchday recognitions that created empowerment and community pride. The structured delivery of well-paced sessions and the strong collaboration with their partner integrating internships and residential engagement, added depth to the program’s social impact. Powerful storytelling, supported by moving personal accounts and positive survey feedback, highlighted the tangible benefits and lasting resonance of the initiative.
Shortlisted Ambassadors
LDLC ASVEL VILLEURBANNE
Stood out as a truly all-rounded and impactful One Team Ambassador. He attended many sessions, forming genuine connections with participants and teammates alike, and even gifted game jerseys to the kids, making the experience unforgettable.
His commitment was so remarkable that the club created a dedicated presentation to highlight his contribution. Beyond the sessions, Shaquille actively supported the program’s visibility by featuring in a promotional video and consistently advocating for One Team within the club environment.
PANATHINAIKOS AKTOR ATHENS
Demonstrated outstanding dedication throughout the season as a One Team Ambassador. He attended all 16 sessions, even stepping in as a coach when needed, and took part in additional events.
Juancho strengthened his bond with the participants by gifting personalized Panathinaikos T-shirts and sharing a heartfelt speech. His enthusiasm extended beyond the sessions, as he actively promoted the program on social media and publicly spoke about its personal significance in the Greek media, inspiring others with his openness and genuine commitment.
CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA LJUBJANA
Showed strong and heartfelt commitment as a One Team Ambassador, attending six sessions and actively encouraging teammates to get involved. Drawing from a personal connection, he related to the participants with empathy and respect, treating them as equals and acting as a supportive mentor.
Žiga also helped raise the project’s visibility through Instagram posts, contributing to wider community engagement. His efforts extended beyond the court, building meaningful relationships and promoting inclusivity at every step.