Hapoel Tel Aviv Basketball Team Opens EuroLeague Season in Sofia, Hopes for Return to Israel

Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to begin its 2026-27 EuroLeague campaign with a home game against Bayern Munich on Friday, after reaching the playoffs last season. The team will play its 'home' game in Sofia, Bulgaria, as they continue to be displaced from their home court in Tel Aviv. Coach Dimitris Itoudis expressed excitement for the upcoming season, stating, "We are very excited to start another season. We of course want to play in our home, in Tel Aviv, but we are happy that Sofia is hosting us again. We really hope to return to Israel." He acknowledged that Bayern Munich has made significant roster changes over the summer and presents a dangerous offensive threat.

Player Zach LeDay echoed the coach's sentiment, calling the start of the season "the real thing" and expressing readiness. "It's a marathon, we want to start and set the tone, and play Hapoel's basketball," LeDay said. He urged Bulgarian fans to attend the game and support the team. Coach Itoudis also addressed the scheduling of the game, noting the club's efforts to find a time convenient for local fans, and expressed hope for peace and a return to playing in Israel soon.

Reflecting on the previous season, Itoudis stated that while Hapoel Tel Aviv achieved good things in its debut year, certain mistakes cost them dearly. "We cannot make the same mistakes," he emphasized, highlighting the increased competition in the EuroLeague this season with many teams strengthening their rosters. The team is still working on finding its chemistry and balance, aiming to learn from past games and improve.