Hapoel Eilat Returns to Israeli Basketball Premier League

After a two-year absence, Hapoel Ironi Eilat is set to rejoin the Israeli Basketball Premier League, known as Winner Sal League, for the 2026/27 season. The team will make its official return on Thursday evening, playing an away game against Maccabi Rishon LeZion at the Beit Maccabi arena.

The return to the top tier is seen as an opportunity for Eilat to re-establish its standing in Israeli basketball. The club's primary goal is to build a stable and competitive team capable of challenging league rivals throughout the season. They aim to quickly develop team chemistry, establish a clear team identity, and make the Begin Arena a formidable home court.

Unlike most other league teams, Eilat has not played any preparation games, aside from the Winner Cup matches, meaning they have had limited opportunities to test their roster and game fitness. The team will be coached by Oren Aharoni, who brings extensive experience in Israeli basketball and working with young players. Aharoni has a personal connection to the club, having played for Eilat nearly three decades ago.

Key players for Eilat include guards Bryant Crawford, Javonte Hawkins, and Kendall McCullum, along with center James Dickey and forward Brandon Live. The Israeli contingent features Tzuf Ben Moshe, Yuval Schneiderman, Sagi Pinchas, Eliad Tal, and Daniel Rosenbaum.

Eilat will need to contend with potential budget and professional disparities compared to some opponents and adapt to the pace and level of the Premier League. Beyond immediate results, the team's ability to maintain stability, keep players healthy, and find solutions during difficult periods will be crucial for their success. Their first challenge against Maccabi Rishon LeZion, who also returned to the league last season and reached the playoff quarterfinals, will serve as an initial assessment of their current standing and an opportunity to make a statement of intent.