Israeli National Basketball League Shifts to Friday Afternoons in Major Overhaul

The Israeli National Basketball League is set to launch its new season with significant changes aimed at increasing its appeal to families and developing young Israeli talent. A key reform moves league games from weekday evenings to Friday afternoons, allowing families to attend together and enjoy quality time. The league's main televised game will continue on Tuesdays, with Friday games only occurring when winter time allows.

The 2026-27 season will commence on October 13th. Another major change focuses on young players: instead of requiring teams to have a young player (under 25) on the court at all times, teams must now register five young players in their roster.

To accelerate growth, an external board will be established to work alongside the league's management, making decisions on promotion and development. This board will combine basketball expertise with business and marketing experience to foster a strong brand identity for the league.

Furthermore, marketing and digital engagement will be integrated into the competition itself. Teams will receive financial rewards based on home game attendance and their performance on social media, encouraging community building around clubs. The league will feature 15 teams this season, with three relegated to the lower league to return the National League to a 14-team format next year. The promotion system remains the same: one team will be directly promoted to the Premier League, with another spot decided by playoffs.

Amos Frishman, Chairman of the Basketball Association, stated that the league is a "real asset" for Israeli basketball, providing a platform for local players and engaging community audiences. He believes the move to Friday afternoons and the inclusion of business professionals in management will elevate the league, thanking team owners for their trust and partnership. Ron Vorotitzky, Chairman of the National League Winner Management, expressed optimism about the changes, expecting increased attendance and further breakthroughs for the league.