Israeli Handball Federation Approves Major Reforms to Boost Local Players and Fan Experience

The Israeli Handball Federation has approved significant reforms aimed at strengthening Israeli players, enhancing competition, and increasing interest in the sport. The key change reduces the number of foreign players allowed in the top league from four to three, with teams permitted to sign an additional foreign player for a fee of 50,000 shekels. Peripheral teams such as Be'er Sheva, Arad, and Kiryat Motzkin will receive a 50% discount on this fee.

The league format will also change, eliminating the upper division and moving directly to playoffs after the regular season. The semifinals will adopt a best-of-five series format, matching the finals, to heighten excitement. Additionally, the preseason cup will be held at the start of the year, with the semifinals and final scheduled during the Sukkot holiday as a festive family event to attract larger audiences.

The federation plans to request automatic qualification spots in European competitions for the national cup and preseason cup winners to elevate the prestige of local tournaments. Discipline regulations will be tightened to combat violence, and a broad overhaul of the viewing experience will be introduced, including mandatory announcers, DJs, formal player presentations, and an official anthem for the Winner League.

Federation chairman described the reforms as a major step forward, emphasizing ongoing investments in both men's and women's handball and overall sport development in Israel.