Hapoel Tel Aviv Set for Permanent EuroLeague License in 24-Team Expansion

Hapoel Tel Aviv is reportedly moving closer to securing a permanent spot in the EuroLeague. According to a report published by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the red-and-whites are among six clubs expected to receive a permanent franchise license as the competition expands from 20 to 24 teams ahead of the 2027/28 season.

Should the plan be approved, Israeli basketball will feature two teams with permanent licenses for the first time, with Hapoel joining Maccabi Tel Aviv. For Hapoel, this means their participation will be guaranteed annually, independent of on-court results or wild-card renewals, alongside equity-holder status equivalent to current stakeholders.

Entry fees for the new franchises are projected between 50 and 90 million euros, though Hapoel's precise figure was not disclosed. Meanwhile, Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to benefit as a current shareholder by retaining its permanent franchise without extra costs while receiving an estimated 30 million euros from the incoming clubs' fees.

Alongside Hapoel, Valencia, Paris, Dubai, Maxima Roma, and PAOK Thessaloniki are slated for permanent licenses. Partizan Belgrade, Crvena Zvezda, Virtus Bologna, and Napoli are expected to receive three-year wild cards, with two additional slots reserved for EuroCup qualifiers pending EuroLeague board approval.