Hapoel Jerusalem is not giving up on its dream of securing a permanent spot in the EuroLeague. Contrary to recent reports regarding their standing in the race for a long-term license, the club clarified on Wednesday that it remains actively engaged in the process and views itself as a strong candidate for a permanent license.
Earlier this week, ahead of the EuroLeague shareholders' meeting held on August 25, Jerusalem submitted an initial framework proposal regarding the potential acquisition of a permanent license. The club is now preparing to submit a binding offer in the coming days. According to an official statement, EuroLeague management clarified that should the proposal be submitted and approved by the board, Jerusalem will advance to the second stage of the process alongside other clubs that submitted binding offers this week.
Concurrently, Jerusalem is conducting a comprehensive due diligence process over the coming weeks. The objective is to formulate a final proposal ahead of next month's EuroLeague Board of Directors meeting, with the club emphasizing that its bid will be built on financial stability and a long-term strategic vision for the competition.
The process is taking place in full coordination with EuroLeague management. Owner Matan Adelson and club officials remain in direct, continuous contact with top league executives and CEO Chus Bueno. Through these efforts, Jerusalem aims to make clear that, despite recent speculation, a permanent license remains firmly on the table.
Addressing the developments, Adelson stated: "Hapoel Jerusalem's ambition is clear: To compete at the highest level of European basketball. We are approaching this process with the utmost seriousness and commitment that a move and opportunity of this nature require.
"In the coming weeks, we intend to present to the EuroLeague a very strong proposal, both financially and strategically. We wholeheartedly believe in what Hapoel Jerusalem can bring to the EuroLeague, and we are confident that the proposal we ultimately submit will serve as a compelling foundation for approval by the EuroLeague Board."