**Second Israeli Basketball Club Explores Relocation to Cyprus**
In a significant development for the sports community, Hapoel Jerusalem, a prominent Israeli basketball club, has expressed interest in relocating its home games to Cyprus. Club owner Matan Adelson confirmed this move on Friday, following a similar inquiry made earlier in the week by Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Adelson stated that Hapoel Jerusalem reached out to Cypriot authorities after learning that the option to host games in Cyprus was available. This inquiry comes in the wake of Maccabi Tel Aviv's formal request to the Cypriot government, which included a letter addressed to President Nikos Christodoulides, seeking permission to use Cyprus as a venue for their EuroLeague matches.
While the Cypriot government has not disclosed specific details regarding these discussions, citing security considerations, it is understood that two potential venues are being evaluated for Maccabi Tel Aviv's games: the Tassos Papadopoulos Eleftheria Stadium in Nicosia and the Spyros Kyprianou Sports Centre in Limassol.
The interest in relocating to Cyprus follows a series of matches that Israeli basketball clubs previously played in the country after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Those games were conducted behind closed doors due to safety concerns. However, the government’s position on hosting such events has evolved, as evidenced by the earlier request from Maccabi Tel Aviv in June of last year, which was reportedly declined due to police concerns regarding safety and operational demands.
Hapoel Jerusalem, established in 1935, is one of Israel's leading basketball teams. The club has a rich history, having secured two Israeli league titles in 2015 and 2017, along with eight Israeli State Cups. Adelson, who owns a 90 percent stake in the club, is a notable figure in the sports community. His mother, Miriam Adelson, is an influential Israeli-American businesswoman and a significant donor to political campaigns, including a $106 million contribution to Donald Trump's 2024 election bid.
As the situation develops, both Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv's interest in Cyprus highlights the ongoing challenges faced by sports organizations in the region amid security concerns. The outcome of these inquiries may have broader implications for the future of international basketball in the area.