The Athena Winner Tournament, the Israeli women’s basketball preseason tournament prior to the main Athena Winner League season, begins on Monday October 2 with two qualifying games. Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan hosts Hapoel Lev Jerusalem at Ramat Gan’s Zisman Arena (HaTayasim Road 85, Ramat Gan), while Elitzur Holon hosts A.S. Ramat Hasharon at Holon’s Ariel Sharon Arena (Pinchas Eilon Road 20, Holon). Both games begin at 19:00 IDT (12:00 EST). Entry is free for those who want to support their teams as they prepare for the 2023-24 season.

The quarterfinals will each take place at 18:30 IDT (11:30 EDT) on Thursday October 5, with reigning Athena Winner League champions Elitzur Ramle hosting Maccabi Haifa, the winner of Monday’s game in Ramat Gan hosting reigning State Cup champions Maccabi Bnot Ashdod, the winner of Monday’s game in Holon hosting Hapoel Bnot Petach Tikvah and Hapoel Rishon Letzion hosting A.S.A. Bank Yahav Jerusalem.

A draw of the four quarterfinal winners will determine which teams will face off for a ticket to the final, with the semifinals to take place on Saturday October 7 and the final to place on Monday October 9. The final will be broadcast live on the Sports Channel.

The tournament is being used as an opportunity to make a stand in the fight against violence against women in Israel. As the tournament is being held in November, it also coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is marked annually every October.

The Athena Winner League, Israel’s Premier Women’s Basketball League, begins on Monday October 16.