Hapoel Jerusalem has announced that the team has advanced to the second and final stage in the process of obtaining a permanent EuroLeague license. "EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno informed the club that its bid to receive the license has moved to the next stage in the process," the club said in a statement. "We will continue to act with determination and make every effort so that Hapoel 'Midtown' Jerusalem becomes a permanent member of the EuroLeague."
More than a week ago, it was reported in Europe that Jerusalem had been left off the final list of teams from which eight will be selected to receive a permanent license alongside the teams that hold a license today. The club was quick to respond that this was a purely technical matter, and that after completing the bureaucratic steps they would move to the next stage, which is precisely what occurred.
Another team on the list is Hapoel Tel Aviv, with indications suggesting that besides the Israeli teams, ten other clubs are in the final stage, with the selection expected to take place around November. According to reports, the eight selected teams will pay an amount reaching up to €80 million for the franchise that will secure their place in the EuroLeague for the coming years.
In recent years, Jerusalem attempted to enter the EuroLeague through the EuroCup, but failed year after year. Since the start of last season, the club has pursued intensive efforts to secure a permanent spot in the tournament, parallel to Hapoel Tel Aviv's attempts to do the same.