Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem Await EuroLeague License Decision
Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem will reportedly miss the first round of EuroLeague licenses. Encestando reports Valencia, Paris, Dubai, and PAOK are favored.
Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem will have to wait for their next opportunity to secure a EuroLeague license. According to a report by the Spanish website Encestando, the first four teams to receive licenses for Europe's premier basketball competition are expected to be chosen in early November, but the two Israeli representatives are not expected to be included in this initial round.
Financial Details of the Expansion
The report indicates that the four teams expected to receive the licenses are Valencia, Paris, Dubai, and PAOK Thessaloniki. This marks a significant financial move for the EuroLeague, which is projected to bring in 300 million euros in entry fees from these four clubs. Valencia and Paris are expected to pay 50 million euros each, Dubai will pay 70 million euros, and PAOK will reportedly part with the highest sum at 130 million euros.
The Greek side, playing in the Eurocup this season, made several notable acquisitions over the summer, and its wealthy owner makes no secret of his ambition to see the club integrate into the EuroLeague. PAOK is also considered one of the prominent candidates to win the Eurocup, which could provide another route for advancement.
Future Prospects for Israeli Teams
Not all candidates will receive a definitive answer in November. Partizan Belgrade and Virtus Bologna, which held advanced negotiations with the EuroLeague management, may remain outside the first round due to their financial situations. Red Star Belgrade is also considered a serious candidate, but will reportedly have to wait for another approval round in the spring or summer.
"Hapoel Tel Aviv is expected to join the club of franchise holders during 2027, with the report presenting the move as an almost foregone conclusion."
This means the Reds may not be included in the initial decisions, but remain firmly in the picture for the upcoming expansion of the franchise circle. Besides the mentioned clubs, Napoli, two new teams from Rome, London Lions, Hapoel Jerusalem, and Aris Thessaloniki have also submitted bids to join the competition.
