Maccabi Tel Aviv Finds New Home Court in Cyprus for EuroLeague Season

Maccabi Tel Aviv will play its EuroLeague home games in Limassol, Cyprus, starting with the Tel Aviv derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv on November 21st. This move marks a significant shift from their previous temporary home in Belgrade, Serbia, where they played since October 7, 2023, due to the security situation in Israel.

The decision to relocate to Cyprus was a complex logistical operation that involved months of diplomatic and security negotiations. Initially, local authorities in Cyprus had concerns about hosting Israeli teams due to regional security risks, including the possibility of Cyprus becoming an Iranian target. However, a recent period of relative calm in the region created an opportunity. Maccabi initiated contact with Cypriot officials, including President Nikos Christodoulides, who played a key role in securing the agreement.

The move to Cyprus offers several advantages over Belgrade. Flights from Israel to Larnaca are significantly shorter (40-50 minutes) compared to the long, often overnight journeys to Serbia. This is expected to reduce player fatigue and allow for better schedule management. Economically, the move could save Maccabi approximately $30,000 per trip on flights and hotels, though higher security costs in Cyprus will offset some of these savings.

A crucial factor in the decision was the desire to bring back the Israeli fan base. Flights to Cyprus are more frequent and affordable than those to Belgrade, making it easier for supporters to attend games. Maccabi has received permission to bring up to 3,000 of its fans, alongside 1,500 local spectators, to each game.

Despite the benefits, the transition was challenging. Maccabi had only two weeks to prepare the Spyros Kiprianou Arena in Limassol, which required significant adjustments to meet EuroLeague standards, including painting the court, installing new signage, and even shipping three basketball hoops from Israel. Security measures in Cyprus are also stringent due to the proximity to the Middle East and past concerns about Hamas and Iranian-linked activities, with strict entry regulations and enhanced security around the team.

While Cyprus will not replace Maccabi's home arena in Tel Aviv, the club hopes it will provide a sense of home and a more manageable environment until they can return to playing in Israel. The team is also looking to secure a victory in their new home to kickstart their EuroLeague campaign after a series of losses.