Hapoel Jerusalem has moved closer to its goal of becoming a permanent EuroLeague member after receiving positive news regarding its bid for a long-term license.

The Israeli club confirmed that EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno informed its leadership that the application had successfully cleared the opening phase and would now move forward in the approval process.

Securing the license would effectively give Hapoel Jerusalem franchise status in Europe’s leading basketball competition.

The development marks another significant step in the club’s efforts to establish a long-term presence at the highest level of European basketball.

“We are pleased to announce that we have officially advanced to the next stage of the process to obtain a permanent Euroleague license (franchise),” the club said in a statement.

Hapoel Jerusalem made clear that advancing through the process is only part of its objective, with the organization planning to continue pursuing permanent EuroLeague membership.

The club said it would “make every effort to ensure that Hapoel ‘Midtown’ Jerusalem becomes a permanent member of the Euroleague.”