EuroLeague Teams Retained Neutral Home Venues
Israeli basketball clubs will continue playing home matches outside of Israel due to ongoing conflict.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Basketball
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EuroLeague officials have confirmed that Israeli basketball teams must continue to host home games outside of the country. The decision affects three clubs currently participating in the competition.
Why it matters
The ruling is a continuation of safety protocols established due to the ongoing situation and conflict in the Middle East. It ensures that matches can proceed despite the inability to host games locally.
A total of 3 Israeli teams are currently impacted by the decision to move home games away from Israel. This aligns with league precedents set in previous seasons where Israeli clubs played matches outside of the country.
The players
Maccabi Tel Aviv
This professional basketball club competes in the top-tier EuroLeague and is one of the three Israeli teams affected by the venue decision.
Chus Bueno
As the CEO of EuroLeague, he oversees the operations and competitive regulations for the league's international basketball competitions.
The details
Club representatives met with EuroLeague leadership in Abu Dhabi to formalize the arrangements for the upcoming season. While the home-venue restriction remains in place, officials have scheduled a visit to Israel to conduct a fact-finding mission regarding future operations.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: Club representatives and EuroLeague leadership met in Abu Dhabi.
Within two weeks: EuroLeague officials will conduct a fact-finding visit to Israel.
Season Trajectory
The league's commitment to playing games at neutral sites ensures continuity for the season schedule despite regional instability. This maintains competitive balance by allowing all clubs to participate while upholding safety requirements for players and staff.
Fans should anticipate that all home games for Israeli teams will be scheduled at venues outside of Israel for the immediate future. This logistical arrangement remains the standard operating procedure for these clubs throughout the ongoing competitive season.
The takeaway
The EuroLeague continues to prioritize competitive consistency by maintaining neutral venue requirements for teams in conflict-affected regions. Fans and stakeholders should plan for continued travel requirements for home-game attendance throughout the season.
Further reading
For more updates on professional basketball, visit the Basketball section.
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