National Basketball League Shifts 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 key reform moves league games from weekday evenings to Friday afternoons, allowing families to attend together. However, the featured weekly game broadcast on Sport 5 will remain on Tuesday evenings, with weekday games also scheduled during winter months when Friday afternoons are unsuitable.

In addition to the schedule change, the league is introducing a new requirement for teams to register five young players (under 25) on their roster, replacing the previous rule of having one young player on the court at all times. This aims to bolster the league's role as a primary development ground for emerging Israeli basketball players.

To accelerate the league's growth, an external board composed of experienced professionals in basketball, business, and marketing will be established. This board will collaborate with the league's management to make strategic decisions for the league's advancement, bringing a brand-oriented mindset. Furthermore, marketing and digital engagement will now be part of the competition, with teams receiving financial rewards based on home attendance and social media activity, incentivizing them to build fan bases and digital communities.

The league will comprise 15 teams this season, with three teams slated for relegation to the lower-tier Liga Artzit at the end of the season, aiming to return the league to a 14-team format. The promotion system remains unchanged: one team will earn direct promotion to the Premier League, while the second promotion spot will be decided through playoffs.

Basketball Association Chairman Amos Frishman expressed strong belief in the reforms, highlighting the league's importance as a platform for Israeli players and its potential for family engagement. Ron Vorotitzky, Chairman of the National League Winner Management, also welcomed the changes, anticipating increased attendance and further league improvements.