Ready for the basketball shock of the year? Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of Israel’s most famous clubs, is planning to play its EuroLeague games next season in… Dubai! Yes, you read that right. The club, which due to the war situation in Israel played its EuroLeague matches in Belgrade’s Aleksandar Nikolić Hall for the past two seasons, is now considering a move to the luxurious city in the Middle East.
Why Dubai? Well, Maccabi’s main sponsor is the pride of Israel, but it has strong ties to Dubai, which is reportedly a key reason behind this drastic decision. Plus, a large number of Israelis live in Dubai, which could create a sort of home atmosphere for the team.
Imagine this – Dubai could have two EuroLeague teams in the same season! Maccabi Tel Aviv would bring top-tier European basketball to a city known for luxury and extravagance, while the local team would continue to compete in Europe’s highest-quality basketball competition.
This move is not just sports-related; it’s a political and economic bombshell. Maccabi has been a symbol of Israeli basketball for years, and now the question arises – will the club’s identity change with this relocation? And how will EuroLeague and fans across Europe react?
Of course, it’s not that simple. The club recently denied rumors about key players leaving, like Rokas Jokubaitis and Jaylen Hoard, while French international Jaylen Hoard extended his contract until 2026. Cuban center Hasiel Rivero left Maccabi, but that hasn’t affected the club’s plans.
Coach Dimitris Itoudis also spoke about the modern EuroLeague, signaling that Maccabi wants to stay competitive and relevant despite the geographic changes.
This situation sheds new light on the globalization of sports and how political and economic circumstances can reshape traditional sports clubs. Is this the start of a new era in EuroLeague or just a temporary experiment? Only time will tell.
What do you think about this move? Is Dubai the new home for Maccabi or just another power and money play? Drop a comment, stir the pot, and remember – basketball isn’t just a game, it’s a drama with millions on the line!
