Official: Yonatan Alon Named Sporting Director at Hapoel HaEmek

Hapoel HaEmek announced on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, that Yonatan Alon has been appointed the club’s sporting director. Alon joins after leaving Hapoel Jerusalem at the end of the season, and he will work with head coach Sharon Abrahami.

Alon arrives after three years as Hapoel Jerusalem’s coach, a spell that included guiding the team to the State Cup final title in the 2023/24 season. Before that, he also served for a period as the club’s sporting director.

In his first comments, Alon said he is “proud and excited” to join Hapoel HaEmek, calling it “a club with a clear vision, quality people and big ambitions.” He said the goal is to build a strong professional culture that can support long-term success, and to make Hapoel HaEmek an attractive destination for players, coaches and staff.

Club owner Gideon Yadin said Alon was brought in to strengthen the team’s professional foundation and help improve the coaching staff and wider support system. CEO Michal Verdiger said Hapoel HaEmek is ambitious in basketball, fan engagement and community work, and welcomed Alon’s arrival as part of the club’s push to grow professionally.