Hapoel Jerusalem Advances to Final Stage of EuroLeague License Process
Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball Club has officially advanced to the final due diligence stage for securing a permanent EuroLeague franchise. EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno confirmed the club's bid met all threshold requirements.
The Hapoel Jerusalem basketball club has achieved a strategic milestone on its path to the top tier of European basketball. The capital city club officially announced on Saturday evening that it has successfully advanced to the next stage of the process to secure a permanent EuroLeague license (franchise).
EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno sent an official notification to the Reds' management, confirming that the club's proposal met all threshold conditions and has moved to the decisive due diligence phase.
The announcement marks a significant reputational victory for team owner Matan Adelson. Jerusalem management had previously strongly rejected earlier reports in European media claiming the club was out of the running and placed on a waiting list. Adelson and his team worked directly with Chus Bueno, conducted comprehensive feasibility studies, and submitted a binding offer backed by unprecedented financial stability, which has now received official recognition from the league's management.
EuroLeague Expansion and Financial Stakes
This development comes amid a major structural overhaul of the EuroLeague ahead of the 2027/28 season, which will see the competition expand to 24 teams (21 of which will hold long-term permanent licenses granting a share in revenues). Alongside the 13 existing shareholders (including Maccabi Tel Aviv), several clubs, including Hapoel Tel Aviv, are currently competing for the 8 additional franchises. The total value of the franchise package is estimated at approximately €700 million, with projected total investments exceeding €3.2 billion over the next five years.
Hapoel Jerusalem stated in an official release:
"We are pleased to announce that we have officially moved to the next stage in the process of obtaining a permanent EuroLeague license. EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno informed the club that its proposal has advanced. We will continue to act with determination and make every effort to ensure Hapoel Jerusalem becomes a permanent member of the EuroLeague."
The final decision on which clubs will enter the league will be determined by a vote of the EuroLeague Board of Directors in late September 2026.
