Basketball Player Max Heidegger Signs with Bulgarian Club Despite Israeli Contract

In a surprising move, American-Israeli basketball player Max Heidegger has reportedly traveled to Sofia, Bulgaria, to join the local team, despite holding a contract with the Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv through the end of the season. Heidegger also has a contract with Bnei Herzliya, which includes an exit clause specifically for playing abroad.

This development occurs amidst a legal dispute between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Bnei Herzliya over Heidegger's status. Hapoel Tel Aviv had reportedly reached an agreement with the player and conducted medical tests, aiming to sign him. However, Bnei Herzliya maintains that Heidegger is still under contract and cannot play for another team this season, citing the contract's terms.

Eldad Akunis, chairman of Bnei Herzliya, stated recently that Heidegger's contract extends to the 2026-27 season with only a foreign club exit clause. Akunis explained that Heidegger had previously left to play in Burgas during the war and returned, with his release card now back in Herzliya's possession. Akunis asserted that both Hapoel Tel Aviv and Heidegger are aware of the contract's stipulations and that Herzliya would pursue arbitration if necessary to prevent him from playing elsewhere this season.