The Euroleague and the Eurocup will once again host games in Israel. The decision came out of Thursday’s meeting of ECA (Euroleague Commercial Assets) clubs, who assessed current conditions and security measures following the October 11 ceasefire with Hamas.
The return of both competitions to Israel is set to begin on December 9, when Hapoel Jerusalem welcomes Hamburg in Eurocup Matchday 10. The first Euroleague game since October 2023 takes place on December 11, with Maccabi facing Asvel Villeurbanne in Tel Aviv. Hapoel, the other Israeli club in the Euroleague, will play its first home game on December 16 against Red Star.
Valencia and Baxi Manresa are the only Spanish teams traveling to Israel this season. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Baskonia have already faced both Israeli sides as visitors on neutral territory: in Serbia against Maccabi and in Bulgaria against Hapoel.
Valencia will meet Maccabi on December 18 (Matchday 17) and Hapoel on February 5 (Matchday 27). Meanwhile, Manresa will play Hapoel Jerusalem on December 30 in Eurocup Matchday 10.
However, not every club in the top continental competition plans to play in Israel. According to Donatas Urbonas, both Fenerbahçe and Anadolu Efes do not intend to travel, expecting their matches to remain on neutral ground.
“Euroleague Basketball will closely monitor the evolution of the situation and maintain constant communication with local and international authorities, visiting teams, and all relevant organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants,” the league said in a press release.
“In this regard, the return plan presented by Euroleague Basketball management commits to full cooperation and compliance with national government recommendations or restrictions concerning travel of its national teams to Israel.”
The situation in Israel and Palestine has notably improved since the ceasefire, but violence has not fully ceased. According to Amnesty International, at least 312 people—including 132 children—have died from Israeli attacks since October 9.
