Hapoel Jerusalem Advances to Next Stage for Permanent Euroleague License

Hapoel Jerusalem has made significant progress in securing a permanent spot in the Euroleague. The Israeli club has announced that its long-term license application has officially advanced to the next stage of the process. The Israeli club announced that Euroleague CEO Chus Bueno informed its management that its application for a permanent Euroleague license -effectively a franchise- had progressed beyond the initial stage. The announcement represents an important development in Hapoel Jerusalem’s ambitions to establish itself as a permanent member of European basketball’s premier competition. In a statement, the club expressed satisfaction with the progress and reaffirmed its commitment to completing the process. “We are pleased to announce that we have officially advanced to the next stage of the process to obtain a permanent Euroleague license (franchise),” Hapoel Jerusalem said. The club added that it would continue working toward its goal with determination, saying it would “make every effort to ensure that Hapoel ‘Midtown’ Jerusalem becomes a permanent member of the Euroleague.” The move comes as Hapoel Jerusalem seeks to strengthen its position among Europe’s elite clubs and secure a permanent place in the competition rather than relying solely on temporary or seasonal qualification. Hapoel Jerusalem has been trying for years to get into the Euroleague, and getting a permanent license would make them more stable, develop the team, and compete with European clubs. This also benefits basketball in Israel, as the Euroleague is a prestigious league, helping Israeli players access high-level basketball. Euroleague is the highest basketball league in Europe, founded in 2026, with 18 member clubs. These clubs share profits, organize the league, and have strict regulations on finance and operations. To become a permanent member, clubs must meet criteria such as revenue, infrastructure, and commitment to the league. Hapoel Jerusalem, based in Jerusalem, is Israel's representative club, and they have attended many seasons, but getting a permanent license is a big step. This progress was announced by Euroleague CEO Chus Bueno, a Spanish man with experience in basketball management, who has announced many changes to the league to attract more audiences. Hapoel Jerusalem has advanced to the next stage, and it is hoped that they will complete it soon. The club has committed to making every effort to ensure that. This may also affect other clubs in the region, because having an additional member from the Middle East and Africa could expand the league. However, Euroleague still maintains strict criteria to maintain quality. Hapoel Jerusalem will have to continue to improve aspects such as finance, players, and fanbase to achieve the goal. This event is good news for basketball fans, because they will have more opportunities to watch Hapoel Jerusalem's games at the Euroleague. The games will be broadcast widely, and players will have the opportunity to play with big stars. Hapoel Jerusalem has a history of attendance, but they have never had a permanent spot, and this is a turning point. Meanwhile, other clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Fenerbahce, Anadolu Efes, CSKA Moscow, UNICS, Zenit, Maccabi, and Olimpia Milano are the members. Hapoel Jerusalem will become the 19th member if approved. Euroleague currently has 18 clubs. This will increase competition and raise the quality of the league. Hapoel Jerusalem has invested in youth academies, coaching, and player recruitment. They have talented young players, and hope to improve. This progress is the result of long-term efforts, and the club has worked with Euroleague to complete. Euroleague has a clear license application process, with several stages of evaluation. The first stage is initial evaluation, and the next stage is more detailed review of finances, operations, and commitments. Hapoel Jerusalem has passed, and they will continue. This will help them have a more fixed schedule, avoid the situation of only attending when there is a spot. They can have a regular home court, and attract audiences. This will help them develop. In short, this is a big step for Hapoel Jerusalem and Euroleague. Hapoel Jerusalem has made every effort to ensure that they become a permanent member of the Euroleague, and the announcement from Euroleague CEO Chus Bueno is a positive signal. The club will continue to work hard to complete the process and ensure that Hapoel ‘Midtown’ Jerusalem becomes an integral part of the league. This will open up new opportunities for players, coaches, and fans. Euroleague is developing, and having an additional member from the Israel region will contribute to the diversification of the league. Other European clubs are also monitoring this progress to see the impact on the schedule and resource allocation. Hapoel Jerusalem needs to prepare carefully for the next stage, focusing on financial and operational metrics to meet Euroleague's requirements. This event is also evidence of the development of basketball in the Middle East region, where Israel is trying to assert its position. The young players of Hapoel Jerusalem may be sent to compete in the Euroleague if selected, helping them develop their careers. This is a great opportunity for the club, helping them avoid the situation of only participating temporarily and having a more stable schedule. Euroleague with 18 clubs currently will expand if Hapoel Jerusalem is approved, creating many more exciting games. The fans will have more options to watch high-quality European basketball. Hapoel Jerusalem will need to maintain form, invest in infrastructure, and build a strong roster to maintain the position. This progress is a turning point, and the club will use it to develop sustainably. Euroleague CEO Chus Bueno has led this process professionally, ensuring transparency and fairness for all applicants. Hapoel Jerusalem has proven its commitment, and they will continue to strive to achieve the final goal.