Maccabi Tel Aviv will play its home games in the EuroLeague basketball competition in Cyprus this season, shifting its temporary European home venue to the Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Centre in Limassol. The move marks a transition from Belgrade, Serbia, where the Israeli team had hosted its European fixtures in recent years due to security conditions in Israel.
Cypriot authorities have granted approval for the relocation, with formal completion of procedural steps by EuroLeague basketball governing bodies remaining as the final requirement. Cyprus Sports Organisation president Giannis Ioannou confirmed that the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, the Cyprus Police, and the sports authority sent written notification to EuroLeague on October 2 stating that the Limassol arena is available for Maccabi to use.
Maccabi Tel Aviv is one of the most decorated clubs in European basketball, holding six EuroLeague titles. The EuroLeague is Europe's top professional basketball competition, bringing together leading clubs across the continent.
Upcoming fixtures in Limassol
Under current scheduling, Maccabi will play its first match at its new home venue on October 22 against Spanish club Real Madrid. One week later, on October 29, the Israeli side is scheduled to host French team Paris Basketball.
The schedule in Limassol will also feature visits from Greek powerhouses Olympiacos on November 17 and Panathinaikos on January 7, alongside several other prominent European teams.
The venue, the Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Centre in Polemidia, Limassol, is the largest indoor multi-purpose arena in Cyprus. Named after former Cypriot President Spyros Kyprianou, the venue underwent extensive renovation work ahead of EuroBasket 2025, the continental tournament co-hosted by Cyprus, which facilitated its selection for EuroLeague fixtures.
Arena upgrades and presidential request
Although previous renovations brought the facility up to international standards, additional modifications are required to meet EuroLeague specifications. These adjustments include installing specialized technical equipment, configuring media work areas, setting up VIP seating, and preparing perimeter court facilities. Maccabi Tel Aviv will assume responsibility for installing the equipment required specifically for tournament play.
The initiative to relocate home games to Cyprus began during Maccabi's visit to the island for the Neofytos Chandriotis international basketball tournament. Maccabi Tel Aviv president Shimon Mizrahi raised the proposal directly with President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, which was followed by an official request to host the team's European fixtures in Cyprus.
Subsequent consultations involved the Cypriot Presidency, the Cyprus Sports Organisation, Cyprus Police, Maccabi leadership, and arena management. Authorities conducted an official inspection of the Spyros Kyprianou arena yesterday morning to inspect facilities, evaluate access points, review spectator segregation plans, and assess security implementation.
Security plan and spectator limits
Determining spectator access was a central aspect of the security planning. Under the scheme approved by Cyprus Police, up to 5,000 Maccabi supporters will be permitted to attend home matches, while visiting clubs will receive a limited ticket allocation of approximately 100 to 150 tickets per game.
Security measures at the stadium will be stringent. The plan includes designated fan zones, enhanced screening at entry gates, and controlled access routes into the venue. Cyprus Police will take control of the arena 24 hours prior to every Maccabi match.
Neutral-site arrangements have been implemented for Israeli sports clubs competing in European competitions due to regional security concerns. The Cyprus Sports Organisation is the semi-governmental body responsible for sports administration and athletic facilities in Cyprus.
High security for Turkish club matches
Fixtures involving Turkish basketball clubs are receiving particular attention due to heightened security requirements. The EuroLeague season includes scheduled games against Turkish teams Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahce, while Besiktas also competes in the tournament.
Maccabi is scheduled to host Anadolu Efes in Limassol on December 23, followed by Fenerbahce on April 1, provided the Cypriot venue arrangement remains active through those dates.
Cyprus was selected due to its geographic proximity to Israel, alongside its security capabilities and sporting infrastructure. The short flight duration enables Israeli fans to travel to Limassol and return home on the same day.
Impact on Cypriot sports and future plans
The relocation brings regular top-tier European club basketball to Cyprus, giving local sports fans the opportunity to watch EuroLeague competition and marquee players in Limassol throughout the duration of the arrangement.
Maccabi had previously used Belgrade, Serbia, as its European home base following the outbreak of conflict after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. While Maccabi Tel Aviv continues to seek a return to playing home games in Tel Aviv, Limassol will serve as the club's temporary European home until conditions allow a return to Israel.
