Maccabi Tel Aviv Explores Hosting EuroLeague Games in Cyprus

Maccabi Tel Aviv is reportedly exploring the possibility of hosting its EuroLeague home games in Cyprus, according to recent reports from the island nation. This move would be a significant shift from the team's current practice of playing its initial home games in Serbia for the past three seasons.

Cyprus offers a geographically closer alternative to Serbia, potentially allowing for a larger and more frequent presence of Israeli fans. Sources suggest that the team is "exploring the matter" and has identified two suitable venues on the island. The relationship between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Cypriot basketball has reportedly strengthened following a recent preparation tournament where the team played against Greek clubs Aris Thessaloniki and Olympiacos.

Further fueling these discussions, it is claimed that Maccabi Tel Aviv Chairman Shimon Mizrahi met with the President of Cyprus. If the team proceeds with hosting games in Cyprus, the Spatharios Kyprianou Arena, an 8,000-seat venue that hosted games in the recent European Championship, is a likely candidate.

In parallel, Maccabi Tel Aviv announced that EuroLeague CEO Jordi Bertomeu and another senior official will visit Israel. This visit is seen as a potential step towards facilitating the return of the team's home games to Israel. The article also lists Maccabi Tel Aviv's upcoming home EuroLeague schedule through December.