Tamir Blatt Joins Hapoel Tel Aviv Amid Rival Basketball Projects in Rome

Israeli point guard Tamir Blatt officially signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv on August 3, 2026, while also attracting interest from two emerging basketball clubs in Rome, Italy. These two teams, SPQR Roma and Massima Roma, represent ambitious projects aiming to elevate Rome's basketball status in Europe, a city historically lacking a top-tier club. Both teams are set to compete in the EuroCup during the 2026/27 season and are engaged in a rivalry to become Rome's premier basketball team.

SPQR Roma was founded this year after Donnie Nelson and Luka Dončić jointly acquired the rights to Vanoli Cremona. Donnie Nelson, son of legendary coach Don Nelson and former Dallas Mavericks manager, serves as club president, while Dončić is a co-owner with potential future involvement. The club currently has three signed players, including former Milan guard Nico Mannion, and is seeking a head coach after missing out on former NBA Coach of the Year Devin Casey.

Massima Roma emerged from the remnants of Brescia and has faced criticism for attempting to "buy" its franchise status. The club's key figure, Paul Mestiac, aimed to recruit renowned coaches Ettore Messina and Sergio Scariolo, but both declined. Massima inherited several players from Brescia, such as John Brown, but has yet to officially sign any new players.

Both clubs aspire to replicate the rapid rise of Dubai's basketball team, which reached the EuroLeague within two years. With most EuroLeague players already signed elsewhere for the upcoming season, the competition for talent will be challenging. Blatt's contract with one of these clubs reportedly includes $1.1 million for the season plus $500,000 in shares. The rivalry between SPQR and Massima will likely define Rome's basketball landscape and influence their potential participation in the newly proposed NBA Europe league or the EuroLeague.

Blatt is expected to play a significant role regardless of which team he joins, especially given the demanding EuroCup schedule. The 2026/27 season will be pivotal for both clubs as they compete to establish dominance in Rome and possibly secure a spot in Europe's top basketball competitions.