Hapoel Tel Aviv is preparing for its EuroLeague debut while exploring a spot in the Adriatic League, on the condition games are played in Israel. The team also eyes playoff progress and awaits injury news on Yam Madar.
Hapoel Tel Aviv is deep into preparations for a landmark 2025–26 season, one that will include its historic debut in the EuroLeague.
While professional plans are underway, the club is simultaneously grappling with serious logistical challenges—chief among them, the possibility of hosting EuroLeague games outside of Israel if security approval for domestic games isn't granted.
In an unexpected but strategic move, Hapoel has reached out to the Adriatic League (ABA) to explore joining its ranks, following the precedent set years ago by Maccabi Tel Aviv and, more recently, by BC Dubai from the UAE.
According to the report by Walla Sport's Or Shkedi, the club’s key condition: all Adriatic League games must be played in Israel. The league has shown preliminary interest, but Hapoel is awaiting an official response.
Hapoel TA's owner Ofer Yannay confirmed the report with a short statement on Mozzart sport.
If accepted under these terms, the move could help accelerate the return of international basketball to Israel—something that currently feels far off, with both national teams and clubs continuing to plan for games abroad.
On the court, Hapoel reached the Israeli Premier League semifinals this week and will face Hapoel Jerusalem after both teams advanced past their quarterfinal series. Head coach Dimitris Itoudis has expressed a desire for the next round to begin as soon as possible, but the club is still waiting for an official schedule from the league.
Injury concerns loom as well: star guard Yam Madar is set to undergo an MRI this week to assess his status for the remainder of the playoffs.
Both Madar and the coaching staff are eager for him to return, but they won’t take unnecessary risks that might jeopardize his recovery or his availability for the upcoming season—including his participation in EuroBasket, which remains undecided.
