Hapoel Jerusalem held talks with EuroLeague representatives during their visit to Israel, with the club seeking a permanent place in Europe’s leading basketball competition.
The BKT EuroCup participant met with EuroLeague officials to discuss the process of obtaining a long-term EuroLeague license, as well as the possibility of hosting European competition games in Israel again.
The meeting involved Hapoel Jerusalem co-owner Gal Mekel and CEO Oren Arieli, along with representatives of EuroLeague management.
Hapoel Jerusalem released a statement outlining the discussions and confirming that Israeli basketball officials also participated in a joint meeting with EuroLeague representatives.
“The co-owner, Gal Mekel, and the club’s CEO, Oren Arieli, met today with Euroleague CEO Jordi Bertomeu and competitions director Diego Guillen, as part of the two’s visit to Israel. During the meeting, several topics pertaining to the club were raised, including the path to obtaining a permanent license (franchise) and the possibility of returning EuroCup games to Israel.
“In addition, a joint meeting was held between the Israeli teams and Euroleague executives, in the presence of the Minister of Culture and Sport, Miki Zohar, and attended by Gal Mekel, Oren Arieli, the general manager, Dan Shamir, and Jared Harper. We continue to act on all fronts and with full commitment and determination to advance these significant issues.”
Hapoel Jerusalem has expressed interest in joining the EuroLeague on a permanent basis rather than continuing exclusively in the EuroCup.
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The club’s discussions with EuroLeague officials included the requirements and potential steps involved in securing a franchise.
Another subject was the possibility of returning EuroCup home games to Jerusalem, with Israeli teams currently required to play their European fixtures outside the country.
Israel’s Minister of Culture and Sport, Miki Zohar, also attended a meeting involving representatives of Israeli clubs and EuroLeague management.
No agreement regarding a permanent EuroLeague license or the return of EuroCup games to Israel was announced following the meetings.
