Israeli Women's Premier League Kicks Off Historic Season

The 2026/27 season of the Israeli Women's Premier League is set to begin on Thursday, featuring four simultaneous matches broadcast live. The league welcomes back its defending champion, Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem, who secured their sixth league title last season, ending Kiryat Gat's dominance. Jerusalem's championship run included a historic Champions League qualification, though they were eliminated by PAOK Thessaloniki. The team has retained its core players while adding significant international talent, including Costa Rican national team goalkeeper Daniela Solera and Brazilian forward Raíza.

Maccabi Holon, who finished fourth last season, aims to improve under veteran coach Gabi Burshtein. Holon has faced challenges in acquiring foreign players due to budget cuts but has signed Brazilian goalkeeper Ana Lucia dos Santos and several Israeli players, including former national team midfielder Opel Super. The team will be without midfielder Doris Boaduwaa, who is participating in the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana.

Kiryat Gat, the former dynasty, enters the new season with a new coach, Zohar Kaminsky, after parting ways with Eyal Shadeh, who led them to five consecutive championships and three consecutive cups. Key players Noa Selimagic and Etif Alqisi have moved to Rio Ave in Portugal. However, Brazilian star Daniel Helana, the league's top scorer for the past four seasons, remains with the team. Kiryat Gat has also recruited significantly, adding Argentine goalkeeper Abigail Chavez, Panamanian midfielder Aldrit Quintero, and Brazilian midfielder Simão Samia.

Hapoel Ra'anana returns to the top league with a strengthened squad and new ambitions. They have signed several foreign players, including Brazilian forward Natalia Costa Correa 'Natchi' and defender Fabiana Soares from Palmeiras. Israeli additions include national team goalkeeper Forton Rubin and defender and captain of the national team, Shani David. Hadas Morrin, formerly of Hapoel Jerusalem, joins the midfield.

The league also features a historic derby between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Hapoel Tel Aviv returns to the top flight after a dominant season in the second division. They have bolstered their squad with Israeli national team players Eden Avital and Asia Draxler, along with Brazilian forward Laisla Santos, who was a prolific scorer for Hadera. Maccabi Tel Aviv, in their second season as a women's team, has retained key players and added five foreign signings, including Canadian defender Aurora Hughes-Goyette and Portuguese winger Diana Bourge.