Hapoel Jerusalem advances in bid for permanent EuroLeague license

Hapoel Jerusalem has taken a significant step in its quest for a permanent place in the EuroLeague. The Israeli basketball club announced that its application for a long-term EuroLeague license – effectively a franchise – has cleared the initial stage and advanced to the next phase. The news came after EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno informed Hapoel Jerusalem's management about the progress. The club released an official statement confirming that it is moving forward in the process to secure a permanent license. “We are pleased to announce that we have officially advanced to the next stage of the process to obtain a permanent EuroLeague license,” the club said. “We will continue working toward this goal and will make every effort to ensure that Hapoel ‘Midtown’ Jerusalem becomes a permanent member of the EuroLeague.” The announcement carries special meaning because EuroLeague does not operate like an open national league. A regular place in the competition requires more than domestic titles or one good European campaign. Clubs must meet strict financial, commercial, infrastructure and management standards. Hapoel Jerusalem has long been a domestic powerhouse in Israeli basketball. The club regularly fights for national championships and enjoys strong fan support. But competing in the EuroLeague year after year requires a stable license. Without one, clubs depend on wild cards, regional competition results or special invitations. That uncertainty is exactly what Hapoel Jerusalem wants to end. Gaining a permanent license would give the club a stable position at the highest level of European basketball. It would also allow them to plan long-term investments in players, facilities and brand growth without worrying about qualification from season to season. EuroLeague is also expanding its commercial reach across Europe and the Middle East. A team based in Jerusalem would strengthen the league's presence in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Israel has a strong basketball culture, with passionate fans and a competitive domestic league that has produced many talented players. The direct involvement of Chus Bueno signals that Hapoel Jerusalem's application is being taken seriously. Clearing the first stage is a meaningful milestone, but more work remains. The club still needs to convince stakeholders that it can sustain high-level competition and strong financial performance over time. If Hapoel Jerusalem eventually secures a permanent EuroLeague license, it will change the landscape for Israeli basketball. Local players would have the chance to compete in Europe's top competition without leaving the country. Sponsors, broadcasters and fans would also benefit from the stability of a regular EuroLeague club in Israel. There are still many details to be resolved. The club and the league have not revealed the full criteria or timeline for the next stage. Negotiations could take months. But Hapoel Jerusalem has made one thing clear: it no longer wants to be a guest of the EuroLeague. It wants to be a permanent part of the competition's future.