Israeli Basketball Premier League Releases 2026/27 Schedule Featuring First Tel Aviv Derby in October

The Israeli Basketball Premier League announced the full schedule for the 2026/27 season on August 27, 2026, marking the start of a new and exciting campaign. The first Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv is set for the fourth round, scheduled between November 1 and 2. Additionally, Maccabi Tel Aviv will host Hapoel Jerusalem for the first time in the sixth round (November 13-16), while the intense matchup between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem will take place earlier, in the third round (October 23-26).

The opening round, taking place from October 9 to 12, features Maccabi Tel Aviv hosting Hapoel Galil Elyon at Menora Mivtachim Arena. Hapoel Jerusalem will visit Hapoel Holon at Toto Hall, and Hapoel Tel Aviv will travel south to face Hapoel Be'er Sheva/Dimona at the "Conch" arena. Other opening games include Ironi Kiryat Ata vs. Hapoel HaEmek, Bnei Herzliya vs. Maccabi Ramat Gan, Maccabi Rishon LeZion vs. Hapoel Ironi Eilat, and Maccabi Ashdod vs. Ironi Nes Ziona.

The league also introduced new game time regulations following consultations with fans, aiming to enhance accessibility and family attendance. Except for the main game of each round, matches will generally start no earlier than 18:30 and no later than 20:15. Some games may be held on Fridays, starting up to three hours before the onset of Shabbat. The main game each round will kick off at 20:55. This initiative is designed to create a more fan-friendly basketball experience throughout what is expected to be one of the most thrilling seasons yet.