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EuroLeague Decision on Israeli Teams' Home Games Expected Soon
Senior EuroLeague officials, including CEO Chus Bueno and Competition Manager Diego Gian, concluded a series of meetings in Israel on Sunday, October 11, 2026, raising optimism about the potential return of EuroLeague games to the country. The officials met with Israel's Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar and representatives from Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Hapoel Jerusalem. A final decision on the matter is expected within seven to ten days.
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What happened
- 01EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno and Competition Manager Diego Gian met with Israeli sports officials and basketball clubs on Sunday.
- 02A final decision on whether EuroLeague games can return to Israel is expected within seven to ten days.
- 03Israeli clubs have been forced to host their European home matches abroad since October 2023 due to security concerns.
- 04Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar pledged government security guarantees and immediate evacuation plans for visiting teams.
- 05Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem currently play in Belgrade, while Hapoel Tel Aviv hosts matches in Sofia.
- 06If the EuroLeague rejects the return, the Israeli clubs plan to move their home games to Cyprus starting in November.
Israeli clubs have been forced to host their European home games abroad since October 2023 due to security concerns following the outbreak of war. This displacement has caused the clubs significant financial and sporting disadvantages. During the meetings, Minister Zohar assured the EuroLeague delegation that the Israeli government is fully committed to providing security guarantees for visiting teams, asserting that Israel is safer than Dubai and pledging immediate evacuation procedures in the event of an escalation.
Until a final decision is reached, the clubs will continue playing their home matches at neutral European venues through November. Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem are currently hosting games in Belgrade, Serbia, while Hapoel Tel Aviv is playing in Sofia, Bulgaria. If the EuroLeague decides against returning games to Israel, the clubs have contingency plans to finalize arrangements to play their home matches in Cyprus starting in early November.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
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