Hapoel Jerusalem clarifies: "We are candidates for a permanent EuroLeague license"

Hapoel Jerusalem is launching a public relations counter-offensive, clarifying that it is far from giving up the fight for a ticket to the continent's premier competition. A day after reports were published in Europe stating that the club was left out of the list of 11 leading candidates that moved to the next stage of the franchise tender, the management of the Reds published a firm clarification this morning (Wednesday) stating that the team continues to be a significant candidate for receiving a long-term permanent license (franchise).

"Our ambition is clear"

In the club, they revealed that at the beginning of the week an initial framework proposal was submitted ahead of the EuroLeague shareholders' meeting, and that in the coming days a binding proposal will be submitted that will move Jerusalem to the next stage. "The process is being conducted in full coordination with the EuroLeague management and with the CEO Paulius Motiejūnas," they clarified in the capital. "We are conducting a comprehensive due diligence ahead of the board meeting next month, based on significant financial robustness and a clear strategic vision."

Owner Matan Adelson sent a combative and clear message:

"The ambition of Hapoel Jerusalem is clear: to compete at the highest level of European basketball. We are approaching this process with all the seriousness and commitment that a move and opportunity of this kind require. In the coming weeks, we intend to present to the EuroLeague a very strong proposal, both financially and strategically. We believe with all our hearts in what Hapoel Jerusalem can bring to the EuroLeague, and are confident that the proposal we will eventually submit will constitute a convincing basis for receiving the board's approval."

The battle for franchises alongside Hapoel Tel Aviv

In the background of the announcement stands the structural revolution of the EuroLeague ahead of the 2027/28 season, in which the competition will be expanded to 24 teams (21 of which will hold a permanent license granting profit sharing). 13 existing shareholder clubs (including Maccabi Tel Aviv) have secured their place, while 8 additional franchises are being contested by clubs that are not even participating in the competition this season, such as Roma, Napoli, London Lions, and PAOK Thessaloniki.

In a discussion held yesterday (Tuesday), the board was updated that 11 proposals were approved for the second stage, which include the aforementioned clubs. Among the participants this season, one can find Hapoel Tel Aviv, Valencia, Paris, Dubai, Virtus Bologna, Partizan, and Crvena Zvezda Belgrade. This is while, according to reports, Jerusalem remained in the first stage on the waiting list alongside Besiktas and the clubs from Russia.

The transition to the franchise model represents an unprecedented financial leap of almost 700 million euros in entry fees and an expected total investment of over 3.2 billion euros in the next 5 years. EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejūnas emphasized that at the end of September 2026, the owners will vote on the final transition and the identity of the clubs that will be chosen. At Hapoel Jerusalem, they are convinced that Adelson's broad financial support will allow them to pass the screening stage and secure a permanent place alongside the giants of the continent.