Hapoel Jerusalem Faces New EuroCup Format and Tough Group in 2026/27 Season

Hapoel Jerusalem learned its group stage opponents for the 2026/27 EuroCup season on July 8, 2026, drawing a challenging group that includes Greek club Aris Thessaloniki, coached by EuroLeague legend Vassilis Spanoulis, French team Le Mans featuring former favorite Taishon Thomas, Spanish side Burgos, Slovenian Cedevita Ljubljana, Italian team Derthona, German Rostock, and Latvian Riga. Alongside the draw, the EuroCup announced a significant format change: the 32 teams are divided into four groups of eight, with 16 advancing to the knockout rounds. From the round of 16 to the finals, playoffs will be conducted in best-of-three series instead of single elimination games, favoring teams with deeper, more stable rosters.

Hapoel Jerusalem also launched its 2026/27 season ticket sales with a new family-oriented model, offering free tickets for children under 10 and four subscription tiers based on fan seniority. Meanwhile, in the FIBA Basketball Champions League, Israeli teams Hapoel Holon and Bnei Herzliya discovered their group opponents. Holon was placed in Group 6 with French club Cholet, Serbian Spartak Subotica, and a qualifier, while Herzliya landed in Group 8 alongside German Bonn, Spanish Badalona, and Portuguese Porto. Only group winners advance directly to the Top 16, while second and third place teams enter a best-of-three playoff round.

Hapoel Holon also announced the signing of 26-year-old guard Rivaldo Suarez from Polish team Dziki Warszawa, where he averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists last season. Holon's sporting director Daniel Ravitz praised Suarez's versatility, defensive intensity, and athleticism, expressing confidence in his continued development. Both Holon and Herzliya are expected to host their home games in Bulgaria this season. This marks Holon's tenth season in the Champions League and Herzliya's third appearance in four years.