Israeli National Basketball League Shifts Games to Friday Afternoons, Adds External Board

The Israeli National Basketball League is set to launch its new season on October 13, 2026, with significant changes aimed at increasing its appeal to families and developing young Israeli talent. A major shift involves moving league games from weekday evenings to Friday afternoons, allowing families to attend together. However, the marquee matchup of each week, broadcast on Sport 5, will still be played on Tuesday evenings, with Friday games only occurring when winter time permits.

In a bid to foster young players, the league is altering its requirement for young talent. Previously, teams had to field a player under 25 at all times during a game. Starting this season, teams will be mandated to include five young players on their roster.

To accelerate the league's growth, an external board will be established to collaborate with the league's management on professional and administrative decisions. This board will comprise experienced individuals from the basketball, business, and marketing sectors, aiming to bring a brand-focused approach to the league.

Furthermore, marketing and digital engagement will now be integrated into the league's competitive structure. Teams will receive financial rewards based on home attendance and their performance on social media, incentivizing them to build fan communities. The league will feature 15 teams this season, with three teams slated for relegation to the lower-tier Liga Artzit at the end of the season to return the league to a 14-team format. The promotion playoff system will remain the same, with one team directly advancing to the Premier League and another determined through playoffs.

Amos Frishman, Chairman of the Basketball Association, expressed confidence in the reforms, highlighting the league's role in developing Israeli players and its potential to attract families. Ron Vorotitzky, Chairman of the National League Winner Management, also welcomed the changes, anticipating increased fan attendance and future league advancements.