Hapoel Jerusalem Presses On With EuroLeague Franchise Bid

Hapoel Jerusalem, the Israeli basketball club owned by Matan Adelson, announced that it remains actively engaged in the EuroLeague’s franchise selection process. The club submitted an initial framework proposal ahead of the EuroLeague shareholders’ meeting scheduled for August 25 and is preparing a binding offer in the coming days. EuroLeague management indicated that, if the proposal is approved by the board, Jerusalem will move to the second stage alongside other clubs that have submitted binding offers.

Hapoel Jerusalem remains in EuroLeague race and prepares franchise proposal The Jerusalem PostHapoel Jerusalem still aiming to be a EuroLeague franchise Hapoel Jerusalem still aiming to become a EuroLeague franchise

EuroLeague Basketball has outlined a restructuring that will take effect in the 2027-28 season. The competition will expand to 24 teams, organized as 21 franchises: the current 13 shareholder clubs plus eight new franchise entrants. Over 20 clubs expressed interest, but only 11 have progressed to the stage where eight franchise spots will be awarded.

Hapoel Jerusalem still aiming to be a EuroLeague franchise

• Franchise fee: Approximately €80 million per club.

Hapoel Jerusalem still aiming to be a EuroLeague franchise

• Teams in the final selection pool: 11 clubs, including Partizan, Crvena Zvezda, Dubai, Valencia, Roma Maxima, PAOK, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Napoli, London Lions, Paris, and Virtus Bologna.

The 11 candidates for the eight new EuroLeague franchises

• Hapoel Jerusalem’s status: Not listed among the 11 clubs that will be evaluated for the eight franchise spots (Eurohoops, BasketballSphere).

Hapoel Jerusalem remains in EuroLeague race and prepares franchise proposal

EuroLeague officials clarified that clubs submitting a binding proposal and receiving board approval will advance to the second phase of the process. The club’s representatives, led by owner Matan Adelson, confirmed ongoing direct dialogue with EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno.

Hapoel Jerusalem still aiming to be a EuroLeague franchise

• “Hapoel Jerusalem’s ambition is clear: to compete at the highest level of European basketball.” — Owner Matan Adelson

Hapoel Jerusalem remains in EuroLeague race and prepares franchise proposal

Sources differ on whether Hapoel Jerusalem is currently among the 11 clubs eligible for the final evaluation. Eurohoops and BasketballSphere state that the club is not among the 11, while the club’s own statements assert that it remains “firmly in contention” and expects to advance to the second stage. No source provides a definitive confirmation from EuroLeague that Jerusalem has been admitted to the final pool.

Hapoel Jerusalem remains in EuroLeague race and prepares franchise proposal

Hapoel Jerusalem aims to submit its final proposal ahead of the EuroLeague Board meeting slated for next month. The board’s recommendations are expected to be presented at the owners’ meeting scheduled for the end of September 2026, when the eight new franchise licenses will be announced.

Hapoel Jerusalem remains in EuroLeague race and prepares franchise proposal