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• Israeli teams will once again start the EuroLeague season without a home arena, as Cyprus officially rejected their request to host games for security reasons.
For the third consecutive season, Israeli teams face the harsh reality of competing in the EuroLeague without a home floor.
Due to ongoing security concerns in Israel, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, and Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem have been forced to seek refuge abroad for its home games — but the latest plan to host in Cyprus has officially collapsed.
According to One.co.il and Greek media, the Cypriot government has firmly rejected Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv’s proposal to use arenas on the island for the 2025–26 season. The decision, which was communicated directly to the Israeli ambassador in Cyprus, cites security concerns as the sole reason.
The Cypriot police made it clear they could not guarantee the safety of the events and were unwilling to undertake the operational demands of hosting high-risk sporting fixtures. Despite past occasions where Cyprus provided neutral ground for Israeli teams, the local authorities now deem the situation too volatile.
Maccabi had been in advanced discussions, with even club president Shimon Mizrahi and representatives of Hapoel Tel Aviv visiting the island recently. Their proposal reportedly included same-day fan travel logistics and enhanced safety measures. Yet, these assurances failed to sway the Cypriot stance.
This development is a significant blow, especially since Cyprus was viewed as the front-runner to host the Israeli teams' home games. With their rejection, Maccabi is now racing against the clock. EuroLeague regulations require clubs to formally submit venue changes over the summer. A delay or failure to do so could lead to serious administrative complications and possibly financial penalties.
At the moment, the only publicly known alternative is Rhodes, Greece. But the feasibility of using the island — in terms of infrastructure, crowd control, and political sensitivity — remains uncertain. Should Greek authorities also reject the request, a return to Belgrade, where Maccabi played during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons, becomes the most likely fallback.
Both Tel Aviv clubs are now entangled in a logistical and political scramble that threatens to impact their planning, revenue, and competitive rhythm. (BASKET NEWS)
