By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Euroleague Basketball games are set to return to Israel starting from December, as reported by Moses Barda and later officially confirmed on Tuesday.
Maccabi was pushing for the return to be scheduled next week, looking to face Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet in Menora Mivtachim Arena instead of Belgrade’s Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Round 7 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season on October 30, but the Euroleague Commercial Assets members and the rest of the teams decided to let some time pass and monitor the situation. The compromise reached was settled on December 1.
There was no opposition from the clubs, with the decision for Euroleague Basketball action returning to Israel being unanimous. However, no vote was held.
Following the approval of the request by Israeli clubs to resume hosting continental home games in Israel, the league intends to monitor the situation surrounding the recent Gaza war ceasefire. The process depends on the local area being safe for all involved parties.
Therefore, Maccabi and Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv will be able to host EuroLeague home games in Tel Aviv, as well as Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem returning to Pais Arena in the BKT EuroCup.
Per the press release: “Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) member clubs met on Tuesday to discuss the current situation in Israel and Gaza, following the recently announced ceasefire and peace initiatives. The meeting also addressed the possibility of bringing EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup games back to Israel, after matches were relocated to neutral venues since October 2023.
After thoughtful deliberation, ECA clubs agreed on the proposal to set December 1, 2025, as the date for games to resume in Israel. Until then, Euroleague Basketball will continue to carefully monitor developments, stay in close contact with local and foreign authorities, visiting teams, and all relevant organizations, including ELPA, EHCB and UEBO, and ensure that the safety and well-being of everyone involved remain the top priority.
Euroleague Basketball and its participating clubs welcome the recent peace plan with optimism and hope. The organization reaffirms its belief in the power of basketball to bring people and communities together, and its commitment to contributing to peace through the shared values of sport, respect, and unity.”