The Israel Basketball Winner League is continuing to work intensively to resume league activity, doing so in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders in order to create the best possible framework under the complex reality facing teams and fans. The goal is to allow the season to continue in the most sporting, competitive, and engaging way possible.

Following the decision of the Winner League Board of Directors on March 26, 2026, below is the outline for resuming the league:

Resumption of the League
League games will resume in Israel no later than April 18, 2026 (it is possible that two games will already take place on April 17), even if the state of emergency in the country continues.

Games will be held without spectators and only in arenas that have standard protected spaces, subject to approval by the Home Front Command and in accordance with its guidelines.

The number of participants per team will be limited to 25, including players and staff, with the possibility that the amount will increase equally subject to approval.

Games will take place in neutral venues at the Enerbox Arena in Hadera (main venue) and Netanya Arena (secondary venue) and will be managed by the league and its representatives. As long as the state of emergency continues, teams will not be allowed to host games in their home arenas, in order to maintain fairness and sporting integrity.

In the event that there will be changes in the status in the country or the easing of restrictions, the independent committee will examine adjustments to the schedule and venues, while preserving fairness and equality.

The league will operate on a tight schedule, with each team playing at least twice a week, and will conclude the season by June 28, 2026, before the opening of the FIBA national team window.

Transfer Windows and Foreign Player Replacements
In light of the possibility that some foreign players may not return to Israel due to the security situation and in order to allow maximum flexibility for teams, a dedicated framework has been established to maintain competitiveness in the league.

This includes extending the transfer deadline for players who have not played in the current season until the end of the regular season, as well as opening a one-time 24-hour transfer window for moves between teams.

Additionally, players who left to play for overseas teams during the season will be allowed to return, along with the registration of Israeli players from U.S. college leagues and players from the Leumit League who have completed their season, subject to approval by the Israel Basketball Association.

Teams will be allowed to complete their roster of foreign players up to the set limit (10 foreign players), subject to roster restrictions and league rules, including the option to freeze foreign players and limit the number of foreign players for the playoffs.

Competition Format
The playoff quarterfinal series will be played as best-of-three, the play-in stage will be canceled while the semifinal and final series will be played as best-of-five.

The relegation playoff games will remain in their original format.

Winner League Chairman, Ari Steinberg stated, “We are doing the maximum within a complex reality. This belongs to all of us and we are committed to driving the league forward for the benefit of the fans. We are working hard to make this happen. On behalf of all the league’s teams, I would like to thank the security forces who protect us all.”