EuroLeague Expansion Could Grant Second Israeli Team Permanent Spot

The EuroLeague is nearing a decision that could significantly reshape European basketball, including Israel's presence. A meeting is scheduled for Monday in Como, Italy, to discuss expanding the league to 24 teams starting in the 2027-28 season. It is widely expected that eight clubs will be granted permanent "franchise" status. Some of these spots may be finalized this week, while others could be announced gradually throughout the season. These eight new shareholders will join the existing 13 permanent members, excluding CSKA Moscow, which is currently not participating. Three additional teams will receive annual invitations, one of which will be the winner of the EuroCup. The new permanent members are expected to pay tens of millions of euros for this status. This expansion presents a significant opportunity for Israeli basketball to increase its permanent representation in Europe's top competition, reducing reliance on annual on-court performance. Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv are the two Israeli League teams vying for these new permanent spots. While Maccabi Tel Aviv has held a permanent EuroLeague position for over two decades, Israeli basketball's European footprint has grown with Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv becoming prominent in various competitions.

Sources close to the matter indicate that EuroLeague management recognizes the opportune moment to add another permanent Israeli team, citing the sport's immense popularity in Israel. Recent indications from ongoing discussions between representatives of both Israeli clubs and EuroLeague officials suggest a strong possibility of an additional Israeli representative in the league as early as next season. While the geopolitical situation in the region could be a factor, the prevailing assessment is that relative security stability, coupled with the resilience shown by Israeli clubs, means only significant security developments would jeopardize these chances. The decision rests with the 13 existing clubs holding voting rights, and Maccabi Tel Aviv's inclusion as one of them provides Israeli basketball with direct input into the process. It is anticipated that Maccabi Tel Aviv would favor Hapoel Jerusalem over Hapoel Tel Aviv in this decision.

In the competition between Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv, Jerusalem appears to have several advantages. These include the stable financial backing from owner Matan Adelson and its 10,000-plus capacity arena, as well as years of accumulated European experience. Hapoel Tel Aviv, despite boasting one of the highest budgets in recent years and achieving success like winning the EuroCup and reaching the EuroLeague playoffs last season, has only recently begun rebuilding its European tradition over the past two to three years. The EuroLeague evaluates not only professional achievements but also a club's long-term integration potential into an increasingly competitive league.