Maccabi Tel Aviv Dominates League Opener Amidst EuroLeague Hosting Push

Maccabi Tel Aviv launched its 2026-27 Winner League season with a decisive 120-93 victory over Hapoel Galil Elyon on Saturday, playing before a crowd of over 10,400 fans at Menora Mivtachim Arena. The team established a double-digit lead within the first 90 seconds and maintained control throughout the one-sided game, at one point leading by as many as 46 points.

This marked Maccabi's third win of the week, achieved shortly before a demanding double-header week in the EuroLeague in Spain, where they will face Barcelona and Valencia. Coach Oded Katash managed player minutes through extensive rotation, resting players like Jalen Hudson, Oshae Brissett, Daniel Theis, and Iffe Lundberg to prepare them for upcoming European challenges. Seven players scored in double figures, including Yam Madar, who contributed 10 points in just over five minutes of play.

"We are currently playing with the energy and aggressiveness we need, which is why everything is going more easily for us," a team source stated. "The league is very different from the EuroLeague, and in Europe, we will need to be much stronger and better. We hope that in the EuroLeague they have received the correct impression of what is happening in the country, because we must have the games return to Israel. This is a critical 24 hours in this matter."

Maccabi demonstrated strong shooting efficiency with 52.8% from three-point range and 61.6% from the field. The team also recorded 28 assists and 32 rebounds, utilizing the game to practice defensive drills aimed at improving a key area of weakness. The evening also served to commemorate October 7th and highlight the visit of EuroLeague officials to Israel, who were observing the situation and the possibility of returning EuroLeague games to Israel.

Fans in attendance, numbering over 10,400, vocally supported the team and displayed signs and songs calling for the return of European games to Israel. They also personally approached EuroLeague officials, emphasizing the importance of hosting home games in Israel for the club and its supporters, and asserting Israel's safety as a place to live even amidst tensions.

Maccabi Tel Aviv will now travel to Barcelona for their upcoming EuroLeague games, aiming to carry their winning momentum into European competition and improve their current 3-1 record. The club and its fans await developments regarding the potential return of hosting games in Israel.