With end of intense fighting in Gaza: Israeli basketball teams will be allowed to host home games in Israel again

For the first time since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli basketball teams will be able to host their home games in Israel again, the EuroLeague decided.

The league’s management officially approved the return of the games to Israel in a meeting it held in Barcelona on Tuesday, with the target date being the start of December, provided the ceasefire continues.

“I welcome the EuroLeague’s decision to resume hosting games in Israel. This is an important move that reflects the new international reality for Israel following the agreement to return the hostages,” said Israel’s Minister of Culture and Sport, Miki Zohar.

“Sport is a bridge that connects through our strength – the return of games carries an important and symbolic sporting message. The State of Israel warmly welcomes the teams, athletes, staff, and fans who will be arriving,” he added.

This means that Israeli clubs Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv can play their EuroLeague games at home, while Hapoel Jerusalem will be able to host home games in the EuroCup, the second-highest European league competition.

The EuroLeague is Europe’s top competition, akin to the Champions League in soccer. Israeli clubs have routinely taken part in the league for the past decades, and Maccabi Tel Aviv has even been a perennial title contender.

With the outbreak of the war, which brought rocket and missile launches from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran, Israeli sports teams were forced to host their home games in other countries.

Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem have been hosting their games in Belgrade, Serbia, while Hapoel Tel Aviv has been playing in Bulgaria.

The Euroleague stated that “After an in-depth discussion, the clubs agreed on the proposal to set December 1, 2025, as the date to resume games in Israel. Until then, EuroLeague will closely monitor developments, maintain close contact with local and international authorities, visiting teams, and all relevant organizations, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved remains the top priority.”

“EuroLeague and participating clubs welcome the recent peace efforts with optimism and hope. The organization reaffirms its belief in basketball’s power to unite people and communities, and its commitment to promoting peace through shared values of sport, respect, and unity.”

Maccabi Tel Aviv welcomed the decision as a “major achievement for Israeli sports and for the State of Israel diplomatically. Maccabi Tel Aviv has once again proven it is one of the most influential forces in European basketball. See you soon at the arena!”

“Hapoel 'IBI' Tel Aviv Basketball Club is happy and excited to announce the return of EuroLeague games to Israel,” the club stated.

“We welcome this meaningful decision, which marks an important step toward a return to normalcy – and it is especially moving to know that our fans will once again be able to experience EuroLeague games up close, where they belong.”