Hapoel Jerusalem denied EuroLeague wild card, will stay in EuroCup
Hapoel Jerusalem announced on Friday, June 12, 2026, that it will not receive the EuroLeague wild card for next season. The club said the decision was made because of the security situation in Israel, even though its bid was the highest submitted.
As a result, Jerusalem will play in the EuroCup again this season and will try to reach the EuroLeague by winning that competition. In its statement, the club said the goal remains unchanged, to capture the EuroCup title and earn promotion to Europe’s top club competition.
“The EuroLeague management informed us that, due to the complicated security situation in the State of Israel, and despite our offer being the highest, it would not be possible to grant the club the wild card for the upcoming EuroLeague season,” the club said. “The meaning of the decision is that we will continue competing in the EuroCup.”
The club also said senior officials are already working to build the strongest possible roster. It added that its long-term EuroCup agreement does not mean it will stay there for the full term, and that it is continuing efforts with EuroLeague management to become a permanent member in the near future and reach the elite league as soon as possible.
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