Βy Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Hapoel Jerusalem is submitting a bid for a three-year license to the EuroLeague, per Eurohoops sources, and this is a very interesting development, even if the chances of the club getting the license are low.
Hapoel, owned by Matan Adelson, is preparing to offer the 5M euros asked as a fee from the EuroLeague and even pay more if needed, because they know that the competition for the license is high and there are many clubs in line.
To be exact, if EuroLeague is extended to 20 teams, then Valencia and Dubai BC are the front-runners to get in and added to the current lineup, with ALBA Berlin being the main candidate to lose its spot, considering the addition of EuroCup winners Hapoel Tel Aviv.
However, the amount offered proves the intention of team owner Matan Adelson to compete in the EuroLeague, after two seasons in the EuroCup, and reach the highest level of European basketball.
During the past year, a series of meetings was held between Aderson and senior EuroLeague officials, during which the foundation for the current proposal was laid and strong relationships were formed with EuroLeague clubs/ shareholders.
What’s even more interesting is that the Adelson family has extensive connections in the Asian market, which can be useful in the future for the EuroLeague, and also owns the Dallas Mavericks.
This means that, in theory, considering the NBA connection, the club could have as a priority the new NBA Europe project, however, they are eager to enter the EuroLeague with a longterm commitment.