Basketball: Hapoel Tel Aviv Makes History - Wins the EuroCup and Secures Spot in EuroLeague

Hapoel Tel Aviv made history on Friday night by capturing their first-ever European title, winning the EuroCup with a 103–94 victory over Gran Canaria. With this win, the Israeli club not only secured the prestigious trophy but also guaranteed a spot in the EuroLeague next season — the top-tier competition in European basketball. The victory gave Hapoel a 2–0 sweep in the best-of-three final series, which began earlier this week with a convincing road win in Samokov.

Two years ago, Hapoel Tel Aviv was acquired by businessman Ofer Yanai, who boldly declared his goal to elevate the club to the summit of European basketball. While some initially doubted the ambition, Friday’s win marks the realization of that vision — and sets the stage for a Tel Aviv derby in the EuroLeague next season.

Blakeney Madar and Motley Shine in the Final

Hapoel Tel Aviv was energized by a small but vocal group of approximately 200 Israeli fans who managed to gain entry to the arena in Las Palmas. On the court, the Reds delivered a thrilling performance, led by Antonio Blakeney, who once again proved to be the team’s ultimate clutch performer. Blakeney scored 27 points, continuing his dominant form from the semifinal and final series, which also saw him shine against Valencia.

Yam Madar orchestrated the offense with confidence, finishing with 16 points and 6 assists, while hitting crucial three-pointers to keep the momentum on Hapoel’s side. Jonathan Motley controlled the paint on both ends of the floor, scoring 26 points and overpowering Gran Canaria’s big men under the basket.

A Milestone for Israeli Basketball

This landmark victory comes 21 years after Hapoel Jerusalem claimed the ULEB Cup (now known as the EuroCup), making Hapoel Tel Aviv only the second Israeli team ever to win Europe's second-most prestigious basketball tournament.

As the final buzzer sounded, it was more than just a celebration of a title — it was a declaration of intent from a club ready to compete among the continent’s elite.

The EuroLeague Awaits

With the EuroCup title in hand, Hapoel Tel Aviv now turns its focus to the 2025 EuroLeague season, where it will compete against powerhouses such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Fenerbahçe. The club's rapid ascent signals a new era for Israeli basketball on the European stage.

Fans and players alike now look forward to the ultimate challenge — but for now, the celebration belongs to Tel Aviv’s Reds, who proved that ambition, vision, and teamwork can take a club to unprecedented heights.