Hapoel Jerusalem insists on its fight for a franchise

Hapoel Jerusalem remains firm in its determination to achieve franchise status in the Euroleague, defying expectations after not being included in the initial list of eleven clubs in contention. Through an official statement, the Israeli entity confirmed that it continues in the race for one of the eight spots that will be granted in the expansion process of the competition.

The Euroleague announced last Monday that starting from the 2027/28 season, the competition will feature 24 teams, four more than the current number. This expansion will entail the creation of a total of 21 franchises: the 13 existing shareholders plus eight new clubs that will join with this status. Although the names of the eleven candidates are already publicly known, Hapoel Jerusalem was not included in that initial list.

Hapoel's proposal and the selection process

Earlier this week, prior to the shareholder meeting held on August 25, the club presented an initial framework proposal aimed at obtaining a long-term franchise license. It is now preparing to submit a binding proposal in the coming days, a move that could change its position in the selection process.

The Euroleague management has informed the club that, should it present this binding proposal and receive a positive response from the Board, Hapoel would advance to the second phase of the procedure along with other clubs that submit similar proposals this week. This mechanism opens a door that was not contemplated in the preselected list, allowing other contenders to compete for the available spots.

Financial diligence and final proposal

In parallel, Hapoel Jerusalem is developing a comprehensive due diligence process that will extend over the coming weeks. The goal is to build a solid final proposal before the next Board meeting of the Euroleague, scheduled for next month. This proposal will be based on significant financial strength and a clear strategic vision for the future of the competition.

The club is maintaining full cooperation with the Euroleague management throughout the procedure. Representatives of Hapoel, led by owner Matan Adelson, remain in constant and direct dialogue with the management of the competition and with Chus Bueno, CEO of the Euroleague. This smooth communication suggests that the Israeli entity has real options to progress in the selection process.

Matan Adelson's commitment

Matan Adelson, owner of Hapoel Jerusalem, publicly expressed the club's determination in an official statement. According to his words, the ambition of the entity is clear: to compete at the highest level of European basketball. Adelson emphasizes that they are approaching this process with the seriousness and commitment that an opportunity of such magnitude demands.

The owner confirmed that in the coming weeks, Hapoel intends to present a very strong proposal to the Euroleague, both from an economic and strategic standpoint. Adelson expressed his deep conviction in what Hapoel Jerusalem can bring to the competition, ensuring that the final proposal will be a compelling case for the approval of the Euroleague Board.

Contrary to recent reports suggesting a withdrawal from the Israeli club, Hapoel Jerusalem remains firmly positioned in the fight for long-term franchise status. The club's strategy consists of demonstrating financial capability and a clear vision that justifies its inclusion in the new structure of the Euroleague.

Context of the Euroleague expansion

The decision to expand the Euroleague to 24 teams represents a significant change in the structure of the most important competition in European basketball. The addition of eight new franchises responds to strategic objectives for growth and consolidation of the league at a continental level. This selection process is rigorous and competitive, evaluating both the financial capacity and the sports and commercial potential of the candidates.

Hapoel Jerusalem, despite not being on the initial preselected list, has demonstrated that it has the resources and determination to compete for a spot. The Israeli entity represents a strategic position in the geography of the Euroleague, which could be a relevant factor in the final evaluation by the competition's Board.

The upcoming month will be decisive for the future of Hapoel Jerusalem in the Euroleague. The submission of the binding proposal and the outcome of the due diligence will determine whether the Israeli club finally achieves the franchise status it seeks. The smooth communication between Hapoel and the management of the competition, along with the public commitment of the owner, suggests that the entity has real chances of achieving this.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Hapoel Jerusalem insiste en su lucha por franquicia