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

The Israeli Women's Basketball League, Athena Winner League, is set to begin its 2026-27 season with eight teams playing their opening games on Monday evening. The league has seen significant roster changes over the summer, with new coaches, players, and even a team merger.

Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan, after a challenging previous season that ended with a survival playoff, has undergone a major overhaul. Following a historic season where they won the Winner Cup and State Cup, much of their core team, including star player Eden Einbar and key Israeli players and foreign imports, have departed. New coach Naomi Kolodny, who previously made history as an assistant coach for a men's team and had a successful stint with Maccabi Haifa, will lead the team. Ramat Gan has signed several Israeli players, including American-Israeli guard Maria Alohim, and foreign players like American forward Courtney Range and Bosnian national team center Jovana Markovic.

Hapoel Lev Jerusalem, under Serbian coach Lubica (Yuba) Darljace, is entering its fourth season in the top league. The team has a new anonymous investor from New York and will continue with players like Noga Haran and Noa Meged. They have also added new Israeli talent like Nitzan Amar and Tamar Greenbaum, alongside foreign signings including American center Olivia Cochran and French guard Liza Barkany.

Elitzur Ramla, a decorated club, aims to return to the top after a disappointing season. They have brought back former coach Eden Einbar, who led them to a EuroCup title in 2010-11. Einbar has brought several key players from Ramat Gan, including Shir Tirosh, Alice Hatukai, and Gili Eisner. Ramla has also signed Israeli forward Daniel Raber, who previously led the team to a championship, and American guard Mahurin Karker. They will also compete in the EuroCup after easily advancing through qualifying.

Newly promoted Bnei Yehuda, after facing financial hurdles, has secured its place in the top league. Coach Tal Dvik will lead the team in its first top-flight season since 2009. They have retained some Israeli players and added new talent, including Mika Bitan from Elitzur Ramla. The team has also signed three foreign players, including American forward Leona Odom, who has WNBA experience, and Dutch guard Bente Versteeg.

Defending champions Hapoel Rishon LeZion will face newcomers Bnei Yehuda. Rishon LeZion, who won their first-ever championship last season with a playoff sweep, have retained key players like captain Eden Tzipel and veteran point guard Yara Yitzhaki. They have added Israeli talent Ariel Reichert and Lior Garzon. Their foreign contingent includes Russian center Anastasia Boldyrba and American forward Kiki Jefferson.

Maccabi Haifa will host Maccabi Karmiel Bet HaKerem in a northern derby. Haifa, after a difficult season, has seen many players and coach Daniela Reuven move to Maccabi Haifa. New coach Katia Abramzon will lead Karmiel, with only Yael Tsvito remaining from the previous season. Haifa has bolstered its squad with players from Karmiel, including Ariel Haran, and has added new foreign players like Slovenian national team center Tja'a Goršič and American forward Jasmine Walker.

In other matchups, Maccabi Haifa will host Maccabi Karmiel Bet HaKerem. Haifa has made significant signings, including players from Karmiel and new foreign talent. Karmiel, after a successful season, has seen many departures, including their coach and key players, and will be led by new coach Katia Abramzon.