Hapoel Tel Aviv Officials Optimistic About Euroleague Return to Israel

Hapoel Tel Aviv owner Ofer Yanai and chairman Stav Shaham met with Euroleague CEO and competition director Diego Gian on Sunday to discuss the potential return of Euroleague games to Israel. The club officials expressed optimism about both the return of home games and securing a permanent franchise license for the European basketball league.

Yanai stated that the discussions covered the franchise process and bringing games back to Israel, indicating that while it's a process that will take several weeks, they are hopeful. Shaham added that the Euroleague is considering the requests positively, emphasizing the importance for both Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv to play their home games in Israel. He noted that the franchise process is expected to see existing clubs sign agreements in early November, followed by the inclusion of teams currently in the process, with a goal to finalize as many franchises as possible to prevent NBA interference.

Yanai believes Hapoel Jerusalem also has good chances for a long-term contract, while Shaham is highly optimistic about Hapoel Tel Aviv's prospects, citing the club's current status in Europe and its financial investment. He stressed that Hapoel Tel Aviv, as an Israeli team, belongs in Israel and not playing in locations like Sofia due to security concerns and the ongoing war.

The club's leadership also acknowledged the support from Bulgaria, where they have been playing their home games. Yanai suggested a target date for returning to Israel could be December 29, aiming for a Euroleague derby hosted by Hapoel Tel Aviv as a symbol of returning to normalcy. He also mentioned that all foreign players on Hapoel Tel Aviv are requesting to play in Israel, a message they intend to convey to the Euroleague leadership.

Regarding season goals, Yanai outlined winning the Israeli championship as a primary objective, supported by recent player acquisitions like Obi Toppin, Kadeem Carrington, and potentially Tamir Blatt. In the Euroleague, the team's aim is the Final Four, not just the top six. Yanai added that winning the Euroleague itself is a criterion for earning another year in the competition if a franchise is not secured, expressing confidence that Hapoel Tel Aviv will have a regulated status in the Euroleague by early next year.