The board of the Basketball Super League made a series of decisions ahead of the 2026/27 season aimed at strengthening the fan experience, increasing arena attendance, and upgrading professional standards during the decisive playoff stages.
The league administration stated that as part of the decisions, the committee approved a significant financial incentive totaling approximately NIS 4 million. This sum will be distributed among the league's teams according to clear criteria designed to encourage a consistent increase in the number of fans at games.
The index will be based on four complementary channels for filling the arenas: The sale of full season tickets; the sale of paid single-game tickets; the free distribution of tickets to school students and target audiences, including youth, soldiers, and additional groups; and continuous improvement in occupancy rates relative to the previous season.
Additionally, the league board decided on a structural change to the playoff series. The quarterfinal series will permanently be conducted in a best-of-three format (as a reminder, the format was modified last year as a temporary measure due to the security situation), in part to increase competitiveness among the teams. The semifinal and final series will continue to take place in a best-of-five format.
The committee also approved stricter requirements regarding arenas in the playoff stages. While moving to an arena meeting defined standards was optional last season, teams qualifying for the semifinals and finals starting this coming season must host games in venues meeting league-mandated criteria, including seat capacity. In the quarterfinal stage, this will remain optional.
Winner League Chairman Ari Steinberg said: "The fans are the foundation and the heart of the Super League, and the decisions we reached express our commitment to bringing more crowds to the arenas and providing them with a better experience. The investment of millions of shekels is a clear statement: We want full arenas, new audiences, and a deeper connection between the teams and the fans. At the same time, adapting the playoff structure and upgrading arena standards are intended to ensure that the decisive stages of the season are as competitive and high-quality as possible."