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

The Israeli Women's Basketball League is set to begin its new season, featuring eight teams from across the country, including Jerusalem, Ramla, and Haifa. The league, known as Ligat Al, has seen significant roster changes, coaching shifts, and the arrival of new international talent.

Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan, after a challenging survival season, experienced a remarkable turnaround last year, winning the Winner Cup and the State Cup. However, the team has undergone major changes, with coach Naomi Kolodny taking over and several key players, including Eden Anbar, departing. The team has recruited Israeli players Maria Alouh, Noa Givon, Daniel Kersh, and Tiah Presley, along with foreign players Courtney Ray, Madison Williams, Jersey Wolfenberger, and Jovana Markovic.

Elitzur Ramla aims to return to the top after a disappointing season. They have appointed Eden Anbar as their new coach and brought back key Israeli players Shir Tirosh, Alice Hatukai, and Gili Eisner, along with foreign player Imari Thomas. The team has also signed Israeli players Ami Rinat and Daniel Rebar, and foreign players Mahurin Karker and Anna Poskus. Ramla will also compete in the EuroCup after a strong qualifying performance.

Hapoel Ramat Gan, entering its fourth season in the top league, will continue with Serbian coach Lubica (Yuba) Darljace. The team has secured new investment from an anonymous New York-based Jewish businessman. Key players returning include Noga Haran, Noa Meged, and Hadas Mor Yosef. New additions include Nitzan Amar, Tamar Greenbaum, Tamar Cohen, and Ella Bemonelker, alongside foreign players Olivia Cochran, Dominique Davis, Liza Barkany, and Peyton Williams.

Hapoel Rishon LeZion, after winning their first-ever championship last season, will aim to defend their title. Coach Ziv Erez has retained key players Eden Tzipel and Yaara Yitzhaki, and added Ariel Reichert and Lior Garzon. The team will also feature returning foreign stars Anastasia Boldyrreva and Daisy Young, along with new signings Mia Krampen and Kiki Jefferson.

Bnei Yehuda, promoted to the top league for the first time since 2009, faced financial hurdles but secured the necessary budget. Coach Tal Dawik will lead the team with returning players Doron Sheiba, Rotem Nevet, Gal Rotshild, and Magi Izeh, plus Mika Bitan from Elitzur Ramla. They have also signed four foreign players: Leona Odom, Bente Versteeg, Taylor Soule, and Julion Redmond.

Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Karmiel-Bet HaKerem will face each other in a northern derby. Maccabi Haifa has appointed Daniela Reuven as head coach and signed players from Karmiel, including Ahud Abud, Ofir Levi, and Ariel Hirren. They have also added foreign players Celia Watson, Indira Villalobos dos Santos, Azana Baines, and Dariana Lewis. Maccabi Haifa has already played a game this season, losing to Bnei Yehuda in the Athena Winner Cup.

Maccabi Karmiel-Bet HaKerem, after a successful return to the top league, has seen several key players depart, including coach Daniela Reuven. Katia Avramzon takes over as head coach. The team has signed young Israeli players and four new foreign players: Celia Watson, Indira Villalobos dos Santos, Azana Baines, and Dariana Lewis. Karmiel lost their opening game to Bnei Yehuda.