Sports

EuroLeague Basketball Cleared to Resume Games in Israel Following Comprehensive Security Review

By Bosphorus News ·
EuroLeague Basketball Cleared to Resume Games in Israel Following Comprehensive Security Review

International basketball is returning to Israel. Euroleague Basketball has officially announced the decision to resume its major competitions—the EuroLeague and EuroCup—in the country starting in December, ending a period of fixture relocation necessitated by the ongoing security situation since late 2023.

The decisive approval came during a meeting of the Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) member clubs on November 27th. The decision was not taken lightly, following a comprehensive, on-site inspection and safety review conducted by an official EB delegation the week prior. This review included detailed formal meetings with local governmental security bodies to ensure the safety and well-being of all players, staff, and fans.

The Return Schedule

The calendar is set, marking a return to home venues after weeks of playing in neutral territories:

  • EuroCup: The competition will be the first to return on Monday, December 9th. Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem is slated to host Veolia Towers Hamburg in a Round 10 matchup.
  • EuroLeague: The premier competition, featuring powerhouse Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv, will resume in Israel on Wednesday, December 11th, when Maccabi hosts LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne for Round 15.
  • Hapoel Tel Aviv’s home debut in the top competition will follow on Monday, December 16th, against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

Diplomatic and Logistical Challenges Remain

While the green light has been given by Euroleague Basketball’s management, logistical complexities and diplomatic concerns are still being addressed.

Crucially, the return plan requires full cooperation and alignment with the national government recommendations of all visiting teams. This means that if a particular national government advises against or restricts travel for its domestic clubs to Israel, Euroleague Basketball must adhere to those warnings.

According to media reports, there are confirmed indications that some clubs—notably Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Anadolu Efes Istanbul from Türkiye, may opt not to play their games in Israel and will instead require their fixtures to be relocated to neutral venues. This highlights the delicate political balance the league must maintain while attempting to normalize its sporting calendar.

Euroleague Basketball has committed to maintaining constant, open communication with local and international authorities, as well as with organizations representing players and coaches, including ELPA, EHCB, and UEBO, to ensure a smooth transition and address any emerging security concerns.