Full Breakdown
Hapoel Tel Aviv Preseason Camp Stays in Sofia Amid Security Concerns
8/25/2026, 1:11:34 AM
Core Event
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s basketball team began a preseason training camp in Sofia, Bulgaria, on a Saturday without its Israeli international core, who remain on World Cup qualifying duty. The squad will open the camp with a two-game exhibition series against EuroCup side Balkan Botevgrad, followed by two tune-up games in Belgrade. Preparations will conclude with a warm-up tournament in Cagliari, Italy, over Rosh Hashanah, after which the team will travel to Israel for a Super Cup clash with arch-rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv on September 17 (scheduled). The club will stay briefly for the Israeli Premier League Media Day before returning to Bulgaria for final preparations ahead of its EuroLeague opener against Bayern Munich on September 24 (scheduled).
Background & Context
Initially, Hapoel announced a return to Israeli soil “due to the security situation,” but club officials later confirmed the camp would remain in Sofia for a second consecutive year. This decision reflects a broader pattern in which Israeli basketball teams conduct preseason activities abroad to avoid regional security risks and to accommodate packed overseas schedules that leave little time for home-based preparation.
Timeline
- Saturday (early September) – Camp opens in Sofia; exhibition series vs. Balkan Botevgrad.
- Following days – Two tune-up games in Belgrade.
- Over Rosh Hashanah – Warm-up tournament in Cagliari, Italy.
- September 17 (scheduled) – Super Cup match in Israel vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv.
- September 24 (scheduled) – EuroLeague opener vs. Bayern Munich after Israeli Premier League Media Day.
Data & Statistics
- National-team players Khadeen Carrington, Itay Segev, Guy Palatin, and Tamir Blatt are absent from the camp.
- Forward Ginat, guard Blatt, and forward Toppin are also not expected to return soon.
- The preseason itinerary includes two exhibition games, two tune-up matches, and a multi-team tournament in Italy.
Official Statements & Responses
Hapoel Tel Aviv officials explained that the continued use of an overseas camp is a precautionary measure tied to the prevailing security environment and the logistical demands of an intensive international schedule. They emphasized that the arrangement allows the team to maintain competitive readiness while safeguarding players who are on national duty.
