Maccabi Tel Aviv Opens 2026/27 Basketball Season Against Galil Elyon

The 2026/27 Israeli Basketball Super League season tips off tomorrow, Saturday at 20:15, nearly four months after the conclusion of the previous campaign. Defending champion Maccabi Tel Aviv will host Hapoel Galil Elyon in an opening fixture at Yad Eliyahu.

Opening Match and Memorial Tributes

This marks the 37th home league meeting between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Galil Elyon. Historically, the hosts dominate the fixture with 34 victories against just two defeats. Prior to and during the match, Maccabi will dedicate the evening to the victims of October 7, holding a special ceremony to award reservists in memory of the late Captain Rotem Levi. Additionally, all teams across the league will observe a minute of silence ahead of the opening round.

Maccabi Tel Aviv returned to Israel this afternoon following their EuroLeague victory over Milan in Belgrade. The coaching staff is pleased with the recent performances against Jerusalem and in Europe, aiming to maintain momentum domestically. In a long and demanding season, securing wins against mid-table and lower-tier opponents is vital for maintaining the top spot.

"We need to manage our squad wisely across competitions, ensuring we stay focused on every domestic challenge without losing our competitive edge," noted team sources ahead of the tip-off.

Squad Rotation and Galil Elyon's Ambitions

Coach Oded Kattash is expected to rest several key players to keep them fresh for the upcoming EuroLeague double-week. Guard John DiBartolomeo, who missed the recent European fixture and was sidelined for the previous three games, is expected to return to the rotation.

Meanwhile, Hapoel Galil Elyon enters the season after surprising many during the Winner Cup, reaching the quarterfinals undefeated before falling to Ironi Ness Ziona. Galil is one of only two teams in the league opting for four foreign players on the match sheet—a decision driven by both economic considerations and a commitment to giving local Israeli talent meaningful playing time.

Coach Idan Avshalom has a fully fit squad available, with Nate Kingz returning to the lineup after recovering from an illness that kept him out of last week's friendly. Galil aims to move away from recent struggles at the bottom of the table and mount a competitive campaign this year.