Hapoel Tel Aviv Set for Permanent EuroLeague License Amid Expansion

Hapoel Tel Aviv is reportedly on the verge of securing a permanent spot in the EuroLeague, according to a report by Italian sports newspaper "Gazzetta dello Sport." The club is among six expected to receive a long-term license as the tournament expands from 20 to 24 teams starting in the 2027/28 season. If approved, this would mark the first time two Israeli teams, Hapoel and Maccabi Tel Aviv, hold permanent licenses in the EuroLeague. For Hapoel, this means guaranteed participation each season, regardless of on-court performance, and an end to the need for annual renewals. They would also gain the same status as current shareholders.

The expansion plan requires new license holders to pay an entry fee ranging from 50 to 90 million euros, though Hapoel's specific contribution was not detailed. Meanwhile, Maccabi Tel Aviv, already a EuroLeague shareholder, is expected to benefit financially. The report estimates that Maccabi could receive approximately 30 million euros from the entry fees paid by the incoming clubs. Other clubs anticipated to receive permanent licenses include Valencia, Paris, Dubai, Virtus Bologna, and PAOK Thessaloniki. Partizan Belgrade, Crvena Zvezda, and Napoli are expected to receive three-season wildcard entries, with two additional spots reserved for teams qualifying through the EuroCup. The proposal awaits approval from the EuroLeague's board of directors, which includes representatives from the 13 current shareholder clubs.