EuroLeague Owners Meet in Italy to Weigh Expansion and New Licenses for Israeli Clubs
EuroLeague owners meet in Italy to discuss expanding the competition to 24 teams, with Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem vying for lucrative new franchise licenses amidst ongoing security and logistical challenges.
Following a day of preparations and initial meetings at Lake Como, the EuroLeague club owners are convening in Italy today (Tuesday) to address pivotal agenda items. At the forefront of discussions is the granting of new licenses to teams that successfully cleared the initial screening phase, as the EuroLeague prepares to expand to 24 teams next season.
License Expansion and Financial Stakes
Recall that 13 clubs successfully navigated the preliminary screening, including Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem. Current estimates suggest that at least four clubs will be announced in the coming days as recipients of the lucrative franchise licenses. Selected clubs will subsequently be granted a specific timeframe to fulfill the financial obligations for the license, which media reports indicate ranges between 65 and 85 million euros.
Several clubs are widely considered locks for the new licenses, including both representative teams from Belgrade, PAOK Thessaloniki, Valencia, Dubai, and presumably Paris. Projections further indicate that at least one of the three Italian contenders—Virtus Bologna, Roma, or Napoli—will secure a franchise, leaving the two Israeli clubs to battle London Lions for a remaining ticket.
Security Challenges and Israeli Bids
The core obstacle currently being tackled by the Israeli sides, amplified by Shimon Mizrahi's lobbying efforts directed at the EuroLeague CEO, revolves around the ongoing security situation in the country. While Spanish clubs have resumed hosting Israeli teams with crowds this season—a highly encouraging sign—three Turkish clubs continue to refuse hosting Israeli sides or traveling to Israel for matches, leaving security concerns as a potential stumbling block.
The security situation remains a complex variable, yet the proven competitiveness of Hapoel Tel Aviv and the robust financial backing of Hapoel Jerusalem under the ownership of the Adelson family render the Israeli representatives highly attractive candidates.
Even in the event that direct licenses are not secured, both Israeli clubs retain viable pathways into next season's competition. Hapoel Tel Aviv can guarantee its spot by finishing among the top six this season, while Hapoel Jerusalem can secure qualification by reaching the EuroCup finals.
