EuroLeague Expansion Decision Looms for Hapoel Tel Aviv, Jerusalem
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The EuroLeague is considering granting eight new permanent franchise licenses to clubs including Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem. The decision, expected today, could cost teams tens of millions of euros. An alternative path may be the proposed NBA Europe league.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- EuroLeague founding members meet today on expansion and new licensing model.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem are among clubs vying for new licenses.
- Licenses are estimated to cost between 50-90 million euros.
- Founding members will convert their spots to franchises, benefiting financially.
- NBA Europe league is a potential alternative for clubs not securing EuroLeague spots.
A crucial decision regarding the expansion of the EuroLeague and a shift to a franchise licensing model is set to be made today, October 26th, 2026. The 13 founding members of the EuroLeague will convene to discuss granting eight new licenses, with Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem among approximately 13 clubs competing for these spots. The league is expected to comprise 24 teams next season, likely in a new format. Shimon Mizrahi, Chairman of Maccabi Tel Aviv, has indicated his support for Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem securing licenses, as reported by reporter Noa Poplinger.
If granted licenses, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem would not automatically gain entry but would have the option to purchase a spot, similar to the NBA's franchise model. European estimates suggest these licenses could cost between 50 to 90 million euros, depending on duration and the club. The founding 13 teams, including Maccabi Tel Aviv, will convert their existing spots into similar franchises. While new franchises will have equal voting rights and revenue shares, the substantial fees paid will benefit the founding members, potentially widening financial disparities.
The meeting will include representatives from founding clubs such as Anadolu Efes, Baskonia, Barcelona, Fenerbahçe, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Milan, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Real Madrid, Villeurbanne, Bayern Munich, Žalgiris Kaunas, and the suspended CSKA Moscow. It remains unclear if a vote will occur or if a final decision will be reached today.
Should the Israeli clubs not receive licenses, the EuroLeague is expected to have 20 teams with licenses, potentially increasing to 21 if CSKA Moscow is reinstated. EuroLeague CEO has stated intentions to include the two finalists of the EuroCup, with the EuroCup champion guaranteed a place. This leaves two "wild card" spots in an optimistic scenario, or just one if CSKA and the EuroCup finalists also participate. Permanent entry into the EuroLeague will become significantly more challenging, with intermediate "Tier B" licenses unlikely. Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem might compete in the EuroCup, which is expected to strengthen significantly due to the potential financial gains of the closed league.
Further expansion to 28 teams is anticipated, potentially creating more franchise slots. The EuroLeague might place one or both Israeli clubs on a waiting list. An alternative path could be NBA Europe, a potential league set to launch in 2027/28 with 12 permanent franchises. This league aims to establish teams in major European markets, potentially favoring Jerusalem due to its religious significance, although the NBA will likely target high-profile clubs and stars, including those who do not secure EuroLeague licenses.
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