Maccabi Tel Aviv Nears Move to Cyprus for Home Games

Maccabi Tel Aviv is in advanced negotiations with the Cypriot government to relocate its EuroLeague home games to the island nation, potentially ending its four-season stint in Belgrade, Serbia. The club has officially approached Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides with its request to host games there.

Previous attempts by Israeli teams, including Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Hapoel Jerusalem, to host games in Cyprus since the October 7th outbreak were previously rejected by Cypriot authorities due to security concerns and high costs. However, under the leadership of Maccabi Tel Aviv Chairman Shimon Mizrahi, the Cypriot President has now exceptionally agreed to consider the request, which also has the backing of Israeli basketball bodies.

If approved, games could be held at the Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Limassol or the Tassos Papadopoulos Eleftheria Arena in Nicosia. The club aims to finalize the move within weeks, with the process expected to be completed by the end of 2024. EuroLeague officials are reportedly supportive, and it is unlikely Maccabi Tel Aviv will host games in Israel in the foreseeable future.

The shift in Cyprus's stance is attributed to a significant increase in Israeli tourism to the island, which reached a record high in August 2023, with Israelis comprising 23.3% of visitors. This surge in tourism is believed to have influenced the decision, alongside potential economic benefits from increased "sports tourism."

Meanwhile, Maccabi Tel Aviv is scheduled to play Panathinaikos Athens away on Friday. Panathinaikos, coached by Zeljko Obradovic, has a 2-2 record in the EuroLeague season so far, while Maccabi Tel Aviv also holds a 2-2 record. Panathinaikos will be missing several key players due to injury.