Hapoel Tel Aviv Advances in EuroLeague License Race While Jerusalem Misses Out

The EuroLeague is set to expand to 24 teams starting in the 2027/28 season, with 21 clubs expected to hold permanent licenses. According to reports from Eurohoops, Hapoel Tel Aviv is among the 11 finalists competing for eight new licenses, while Hapoel Jerusalem failed to pass the initial screening and will have to wait for future opportunities.

Over 20 clubs initially expressed interest in becoming permanent EuroLeague members. The shortlist includes Hapoel Tel Aviv, Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, Dubai, London Lions, Napoli, PAOK Thessaloniki, Paris, Partizan Belgrade, Roma Maxima, Valencia, and Virtus Bologna. Each selected club is expected to pay an entry fee of approximately 80 million euros. The final decision on the eight winners is anticipated by the end of September, coinciding with the start of the new EuroLeague season.

The exclusion of Hapoel Jerusalem, alongside Besiktas and Aris Thessaloniki, is a significant setback for the club and its owner, Matan Adelson. Despite recent investments and high-profile appointments like coach Sasha Obradovic, Jerusalem did not make the cut. This is notable given recent statements by player Gal Mekel expressing the club's strong European ambitions and the project's positive impression on EuroLeague officials.

For Israeli basketball, this development is crucial. Maccabi Tel Aviv already holds existing shares in the EuroLeague, and if Hapoel Tel Aviv secures one of the new licenses, Israel could have two permanent representatives in Europe's top basketball competition. Meanwhile, Hapoel Jerusalem must continue striving for inclusion in future licensing rounds.