Max Heidegger Signs with Bulgarian Club Amid Contract Dispute

American basketball player Max Heidegger has unexpectedly traveled to Sofia, Bulgaria, to join the local team, despite an ongoing legal battle with his Israeli club, Hapoel Tel Aviv. Heidegger is currently under contract with Bnei Herzliya until the end of the season, with a clause allowing him to move only to foreign clubs. Hapoel Tel Aviv had reached an agreement with Heidegger and he underwent medical tests with them, intending to sign him. However, Bnei Herzliya is refusing to release him, citing his existing contract and the specific exit clause. The chairman of Bnei Herzliya, Eldad Akunis, stated that Heidegger signed for the 2026/27 season with only a foreign exit clause. He noted that Heidegger left during the war and returned, and his release card is back with the club. Akunis asserted that Hapoel Tel Aviv and Heidegger are aware of the contract terms and that Bnei Herzliya will pursue arbitration to prevent Heidegger from playing for another team this season if necessary, suggesting Hapoel Tel Aviv might be mistakenly believing they are a Bulgarian team.