FIBA Europe Denies Israel's Request to Host March Games

FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa and CEO Kamil Novak informed Israel Basketball Association Chairman Amos Frishman on Thursday that their request to host national team games in Israel in March has been denied. The decision was made by the FIBA Executive Committee based on an assessment of the current situation in the region and advice from FIBA's security consultant.

"Your request was discussed with utmost seriousness and thoroughness. Based on the assessment of the current situation in the entire region, as well as the opinion provided by FIBA's security advisor, the FIBA Executive Committee has decided to leave the existing situation unchanged for the remaining two World Cup qualifying windows," the FIBA officials wrote to Frishman.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel's national basketball team has been playing its home games abroad due to security concerns. While EuroLeague games resumed in Israel in December 2025, FIBA games have not returned. The Israeli national team has been hosting its matches in various European locations, primarily Latvia.

The Israel Basketball Association hopes to re-advance their request if other international sporting events resume in Israel soon, and they believe this decision is not final.