Richard Deitz Moves to Become Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club's Controlling Owner

American businessman Richard Deitz has initiated a move to become the controlling owner of the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club, after exercising his purchase option. Deitz previously held approximately 17% of the club's shares. Sources close to the matter suggest Deitz is coordinating his actions with Arik Shulman, whose entry into the club's ownership structure had been opposed by the Rakanti family.

In a published letter, Deitz stated his motivation was "to protect Maccabi." He expressed concern that transferring control to an investor with no prior connection to Maccabi or experience in European basketball would be excessively risky. Deitz emphasized that Maccabi is more than a sports club or financial asset, describing it as a "way of life, a passion that is hard to explain, and a team that touches and changes the lives of everyone who supports it or plays for it." He added that owning the club is a responsibility to preserve and lead it.

Deitz outlined his mission as ending internal struggles, building excellence throughout the club with world-class expertise on the board, and restoring Maccabi to its place among Europe's elite clubs, while continuing to compete for Israeli championships and cups.