Who Is Ergin Ataman? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ergin Ataman was born on January 7, 1966, making him 59 years old in 2025. He has made a significant impact in the world of basketball as both a player and a coach. Ataman began his basketball journey in Turkey and later advanced his career to coach notable teams in the Turkish Basketball League (TBL) and European competitions.
He is best known for his leadership qualities and tactical acumen that have earned him numerous accolades over the years. As of 2025, Ataman continues to influence the sport, inspiring new generations of coaches and players.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 7, 1966 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Turkey |
Popularity
Ergin Ataman's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at 6 feet (183 cm) tall, Ergin Ataman has a commanding presence in the basketball community. His weight is estimated at around 85 kg (187 lbs). These physical attributes complement his extensive knowledge and experience in the game, making him a respected figure among players and coaches alike.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Ergin Ataman is known to maintain a private personal life. There is no publicly available information regarding a girlfriend, boyfriend, or any spouse. His focus primarily remains on his professional endeavors, and he values maintaining his family's privacy.
Net Worth and Salary
Ergin Ataman’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million in 2025, a significant increase attributed to his successful coaching career. His annual salary as a coach ranges between $1 million to $2 million, depending on the contracts he secures with different basketball clubs. His earnings stem not only from coaching but also from endorsements and public appearances.
Career, Business and Investments
Ergin Ataman’s career spans several decades, during which he has coached various teams, including Anadolu Efes and Galatasaray. His strategic mindset and ability to develop players have been key to his success in winning national and international titles.
Apart from coaching, Ataman has engaged in several business ventures, including sports training academies and investment in local basketball clubs, demonstrating his commitment to the growth of basketball in Turkey.
Ataman began his managerial career in Eczacıbaşı Youth Team followed by a stint as the coach of Efes Pilsen Youth Team. Then, he coached the BSL teams Türk Telekom, Pınar Karşıyaka and Efes Pilsen respectively. He was the assistant coach of Turkish national team alongside Ercüment Sunter in EuroBasket 1997 in Spain.
Turkey finished the tournament in the 8th place. He spent time at Stanford University in the United States as an observer during the 1998-99 season.
Social Network
Ergin Ataman is active on social media platforms where he shares insights about his life and career. His official accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook showcase his coaching philosophy, behind-the-scenes moments from games, and interactions with fans. He uses these platforms to connect with supporters and promote the sport within the Turkish basketball community.
In the beginning of 2014–15 season, Galatasaray struggled financially and eventually in the results. Several players boycotted training and also some were injured, which led to frustration and conflicts in the team.
On October 19, 2014, Ataman was involved in the incident with then-Galatasaray player Nolan Smith, who threw the towel while being subbed out from the game against Banvit. The player parted ways with the team the following week.
On November 21, 2014, in the press-conference after the EuroLeague game against the Serbian team Crvena zvezda in Istanbul, Ataman got negative publicity in Serbia, for calling 300–400 Zvezda fans Delije the "terrorists".
He also stated that they were "attacking our police and our fans with torches and stones" and that he was "worried as a citizen for his and others safety". All these comments came in line with the killing of Crvena zvezda fan by Galatasaray supporters in fan violence before the game.
Even Serbian PM Aleksandar Vučić reacted to that comment, saying that "Ataman is no longer welcome in Serbia". Ataman later apologized for his comments, saying that "all the remarks [on Zvezda fans] were made before learning it [that this tragedy occurred before the game]".
Education
Ergin Ataman is not only known for his practical coaching skills but also for his academic prowess. He graduated with a degree in Physical Education and Sports from Hacettepe University in Turkey. His educational background laid the foundation for his understanding of sports science and coaching methodologies, further enhancing his capabilities as a coach.
