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, acknowledging the need for improvement after last year's performance.

"We are very excited to start another season. We obviously 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," Itoudis stated. He noted that Bayern Munich has made significant roster changes over the summer and presents a dangerous offensive threat, emphasizing the need for Hapoel to play their own game.

Player Zach Leday echoed the coach's sentiment, stating, "We are excited, it's good the preseason is over. Now we are starting the real thing and we are ready. It's a marathon, we want to start and set the tone, and play Hapoel's basketball." Leday also appealed to Bulgarian fans to attend the game and support the team.

Itoudis addressed the adjusted game time, explaining that the club had worked with local schools and families to find a more convenient slot for spectators. He acknowledged the difficulty of not playing in Israel but expressed appreciation for the fans who travel to support them, adding, "I hope there will be peace soon and we can return."

The coach concluded by stressing the importance of starting the season with a win. "For us, it is very important to start and finish with a victory. It's a long marathon. The team did beautiful things last season but we did less good things that probably cost us dearly. It was a good overall season for a debut, and we cannot make the same mistakes," he said, highlighting the increased competition in the EuroLeague this year.