Hapoel Jerusalem, one of Israel’s most storied basketball clubs, is making a strong push to join the prestigious EuroLeague. According to a recent report by George Zakkas of SDNA.gr, the club has submitted a proposal for a three-year B license, starting with an offer of 5 million euros. But they won’t have an easy path—other clubs are expected to compete fiercely for the same license.
Hapoel Jerusalem, founded in 1935, has a rich history in Israeli basketball, competing in the Israeli Basketball Premier League and the EuroCup. The club has tasted success before, notably winning the Israeli Basketball League Cup in 2016 with the help of NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire. They’ve also had their eyes on the EuroLeague for years, having secured a wild card to compete in the qualifications back in 2014, as noted on Wikipedia. Now, they’re aiming for a more permanent spot among Europe’s elite.
The EuroLeague, known for its high-stakes competition, operates with a mix of long-term licensed clubs and wild-card entries, with only a few spots up for grabs each year. A B license would give Hapoel a three-year window to prove themselves on the European stage, but the 5 million euro starting bid shows they mean business. With other clubs likely throwing their hats in the ring, this race for the license is shaping up to be a blockbuster.
