European basketball set to return to Israel in December

The decision, made Tuesday by Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) clubs following months of deliberation and recent peace initiatives, marks a major milestone for Israeli sport and a symbolic moment of normalization after years of conflict.

However, with a ceasefire now in place and international monitoring mechanisms introduced as part of a broader peace framework, Euroleague Basketball concluded that the conditions were right to plan for a safe return.

In a statement released after the meeting, the organization said: "After thoughtful deliberation, ECA clubs agreed on the proposal to set December 1, 2025, as the date for games to resume in Israel. Until then, Euroleague Basketball will continue to monitor developments closely, remain in contact with local and foreign authorities, visiting teams, and all relevant organizations, and ensure that the safety and well-being of everyone involved remain the top priority."

The decision followed extensive behind-the-scenes work by Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of 13 Euroleague clubs with a permanent "A license."

The club led months of diplomatic and security efforts, presenting formal guarantees to the Euroleague that Israel could safely host games. Those assurances reportedly made the difference.

According to Israeli media, Euroleague CEO Paulius Motiejunas made the final call, backed by all participating clubs, which chose not to oppose the move – meaning no vote was required. "The Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club has recently worked to enable Euroleague CEO Paulius Motiejunas, with the backing of all Euroleague teams, to make the decision to allow games to be hosted in Israel again," the club said in a statement.

"Maccabi's quiet efforts behind the scenes, both with Euroleague teams and with the CEO, have borne fruit, as Maccabi received the support of all Euroleague clubs, and the decision to return Euroleague games to Israel has been made."

President Isaac Herzog, who had personally written to Motiejunas earlier this week, urging a return to Israel, welcomed the outcome.

"After two years in which the Euroleague refrained from holding games in Israel, I welcome this decision wholeheartedly," Herzog said. "This is the right move – an important move. It’s time for global sports organizations to reaffirm that sport connects people rather than divides them. Sport is a bridge of hope, fairness, and fraternity. Let’s play."

Zohar added, "Sport is a bridge that connects our strengths. The return of these games carries a powerful and positive message. The State of Israel warmly welcomes the teams, athletes, staff, and fans who will be coming here."

For Maccabi Tel Aviv, the Euroleague’s most successful Israeli representative and a six-time European champion, the return marks the culmination of an intense campaign led by team chairman Shimon Mizrahi and managing director Danny Federman. Working in coordination with Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem, Maccabi submitted a joint letter to Euroleague leadership calling for the resumption of games in Israel, emphasizing the country’s readiness to host safely.

While optimism remains high, officials acknowledged that the resumption is conditional on the ceasefire holding and that the broader peace framework remains stable. Still, the decision is widely seen as a landmark – both a sporting and diplomatic victory that signals growing confidence in Israel’s return to international normalcy.

For fans who have waited two long years to see Euroleague basketball return to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, December 1 now represents more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a sign that, after years of violence and isolation, the game that once connected Israel to Europe is finally coming home.