Gaziantep FK

Foundation and early years (1988–2017)

The club was founded in 1988 as Sankospor under the sponsorship of Sanko Holding, an industrial group based in Gaziantep. Initially competing in amateur leagues, the team turned professional and entered the TFF Third League in 1993. They achieved promotion to the TFF First League (then known as the 2. Lig) after winning their group in the 1996–97 season.

In 1999, the club's name was changed to Gaziantep Büyükşehir Belediyespor as it came under the administration of the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. The team spent several decades fluctuating between the second and third tiers of Turkish football. A significant achievement during this era was winning the TFF Second League Group C title in the 2004–05 season, scoring a record 93 goals.

Rebranding and promotion to Süper Lig (2017–2019)

In June 2017, the club underwent a major restructuring and rebranding, changing its name to Gazişehir Gaziantep Futbol Kulübü. Under the presidency of Adil Sani Konukoğlu, the club aimed for the top flight. After losing the play-off final in the 2017–18 season, they secured promotion to the Süper Lig the following year by defeating Hatayspor in the 2018–19 play-off final. Following this promotion, the club adopted its current name, Gaziantep Futbol Kulübü (Gaziantep FK), in October 2019 to represent the entire city more broadly.

Earthquake Withdrawal and Return

In February 2023, Gaziantep F.K. withdrew from all competitions for the remainder of the 2022–23 season following the devastating 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes, which severely affected the city of Gaziantep. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) accepted the withdrawal and guaranteed the club's place in the Süper Lig for the following season.

2023–present: Return to Süper Lig and recent seasons

Following their withdrawal from the 2022–23 Süper Lig due to the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes, Gaziantep FK returned to competition for the 2023–24 season. The club finished the campaign in 11th place with 44 points, securing their status in the top flight under the management of Selçuk İnan, who had taken charge during the season.

In the 2024–25 season, the team struggled to replicate their previous stability, eventually finishing in 14th place. Selçuk İnan departed the club by mutual agreement in May 2025, following a tenure of approximately one and a half years.

Ahead of the 2025–26 season, the club appointed former Turkish international Burak Yılmaz as head coach in August 2025. Yılmaz's tenure saw a period of turbulence in December 2025 when he announced his resignation following a home defeat to Göztepe, only to be reinstated shortly thereafter. As of early 2026, Yılmaz remained in charge as the team competed in the middle of the Süper Lig table.