Israeli Teams to Wait for EuroLeague Licenses as Four Clubs Set for First Round
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem are not expected to be among the first four clubs to receive a EuroLeague license in early November, according to a Spanish report. Valencia, Paris, Dubai, and PAOK Thessaloniki are reportedly set to be granted licenses, with significant financial commitments involved. Hapoel Tel Aviv is projected to receive a license by 2027, while other clubs like Partizan Belgrade and Virtus Bologna may face delays due to financial issues. The EuroLeague plans to proceed with the initial four clubs before considering other applicants.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Valencia, Paris, Dubai, and PAOK Thessaloniki are expected to receive the first EuroLeague licenses.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem are not included in the initial group of four clubs.
- The EuroLeague anticipates earning 300 million euros from the entry fees of the four new licensed teams.
- PAOK Thessaloniki is set to pay the highest entry fee at 130 million euros.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv is reportedly expected to join the licensed clubs by 2027.
- Partizan Belgrade and Virtus Bologna may be excluded from the first round due to financial reasons.
Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem will have to wait for their next opportunity to secure a EuroLeague license, according to a report from the Spanish website Encestando. In early November, the first four clubs expected to receive a license for Europe's premier basketball competition are set to be chosen, but neither of the Israeli representatives is anticipated to be among them in this initial phase. The four clubs reportedly slated to receive licenses are Valencia, Paris, Dubai, and PAOK Thessaloniki. This move represents a significant financial undertaking for the EuroLeague, which is projected to earn 300 million euros from the entry fees of these four teams. Valencia and Paris are each expected to pay 50 million euros, Dubai will contribute 70 million euros, and PAOK will face the highest fee at 130 million euros. PAOK, currently competing in the EuroCup, made several notable acquisitions this summer, and its wealthy owner has expressed a clear ambition for the team to join the EuroLeague. The Greek club is also considered a strong contender to win the EuroCup, which could offer an alternative path to European prominence. Not all interested candidates are expected to receive a decision in November; Partizan Belgrade and Virtus Bologna, despite advanced negotiations, might be excluded from the first round due to financial considerations. Crvena Zvezda Belgrade is also a serious candidate but may have to wait for a subsequent approval round in the spring or summer. Hapoel Tel Aviv is reportedly expected to join the licensed clubs by 2027, with the report suggesting this is a near certainty, indicating they remain in contention for future expansion. Other clubs that have submitted bids include Napoli, two new teams from Rome, London Lions, Hapoel Jerusalem, and Aris Thessaloniki. Zenit Saint Petersburg has also expressed interest. However, the EuroLeague appears to favor proceeding with the initial four selected teams, deferring decisions on other candidates to a later stage.
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