Israeli Women's Basketball League Kicks Off With New Teams and Star Signings

The 2026-27 season of Israel's top women's basketball league, the Winner League, is set to begin with eight teams vying for the championship. The league has seen significant roster changes, including coaching shifts and the arrival of new international talent.

Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan, after a challenging previous season, has undergone a major overhaul. Following a historic season where they won the Winner Cup and State Cup, the team lost key players like Eden Anbar, Gili Eisner, Shir Tirosh, Alice Hatukay, and Imari Thomas. New coach Naomi Kolodny, who previously made history as an assistant coach for the men's team, has brought in a mix of Israeli and foreign players. Notable Israeli additions include American-Israeli guard Maria Alou, Noa Givon, Daniel Kersh, and veteran Tia Presley. The team has also signed four foreign players, including experienced forward Courtney Ray, Madison Williams, Jersey Wolfenberger, and Bosnian national team center Jovana Markovic.

Hapoel Lev Jerusalem, led by Serbian coach Lubica (Luba) Derliac, has also seen changes, including a new anonymous investor from New York. The team will continue with players like Noga Haran and Noa Migd, and has added Nitzan Amar, Tamar Greenbaum, Tamar Cohen, and Ella Bamonelker. International signings include American center Olivia Cochran, guard Dominque Davis, French guard Liza Barkany, and American forward Peyton Williams.

Elitzur Ramla, a decorated club, aims to return to the top with a revamped squad. Coach Eden Anbar has returned, bringing with him key Israeli players from Ramat Gan: Shir Tirosh, Alice Hatukay, and Gili Eisner. Imari Thomas also joins from Ramat Gan. Ramla has also signed Israeli players Ami Rinat and Daniel Re'eb, who previously led the team to a championship. Foreign signings include American guard Mahurin Karker and Montenegrin center Ana Popovic. Mikia Herbert-Harrigan is the only significant player returning from last season. Ramla will also compete in the EuroCup after a dominant qualifying round.

Bnot Petah Tikva, after a strong previous season, will see their star player Taylor Scurkel and other foreign players depart. Coach Gilad Katz remains, along with Israeli players Ofir Castan, Noa Weshdi, and Mai Dayan. New Israeli additions include Tahlia Cohen, Linda Lipar, and Orin Feldman. The team has signed three foreign players: American forward Lauren Taylor, guard Sierra Calhoun, and British-Lithuanian guard Gabriala Nikitinaite.

Hapoel Rishon LeZion, the reigning champions, have retained key players like captain Eden Tzipel and veteran guard Yaara Yitzhaki. They have also added Israeli players Ariel Reichert and Lior Garzon. The team will continue with its championship-winning foreign players, Russian center Anastasia Boldyrreva and American forward Daisy Young. New signings include guard Mia Kramp and American forward Kiki Jefferson.

Newly promoted Bnei Yehuda, after overcoming financial hurdles, will make their first appearance in the top league since 2009. Coach Tal Dweck will lead the team, which includes returning players Doron Sheiba, Rotem Nevet, Gal Rotshild, and Magi Eize. Mika Bitan joins from Elitzur Ramla. The team has signed four foreign players, including American forward Leona Odom, Dutch guard Bente Versteeg, American forward Taylor Soule, and American guard Jullien Redmond.

Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Karmiel-Bet HaKerem will face each other in a northern derby. Maccabi Haifa has signed former Karmiel coach Daniela Reuven and key players Ahud Abud, Ofir Levi, and Ariel Hiran. They have also added Israeli player Romi Alboz and three foreign players, including Slovenian center Tija Gorsic, American forward Jasmine Walker, and American center Jillian Archer. Maccabi Karmiel-Bet HaKerem has appointed Katia Avramzon as head coach and signed several young Israeli players and four new foreign players, including American guard Celia Watson, Swiss national team guard Indira Villalobos dos Santos, American forward Azana Baines, and forward-center Darionna Lewis.