Basketball League Chairman Addresses Hapoel Tel Aviv's Overseas Operations

Ari Steinberg, chairman of the Israeli Basketball League Management, is entering his third season in the role and spoke to N12 about pressing issues facing the sport ahead of the new season. He specifically addressed Hapoel Tel Aviv's decision to conduct some of its operations outside of Israel for the past two years due to the security situation. Steinberg stated that while this is a manageable situation during the current period, it is not sustainable under normal circumstances. "We are in survival mode," Steinberg said, explaining that the league must show flexibility on issues it wouldn't normally permit. When asked directly if Hapoel Tel Aviv's actions would be acceptable without the war, he replied, "Absolutely not. This wouldn't have happened during peacetime."

Steinberg also commented on his relationship with Ofer Yanai, a co-owner of Hapoel Tel Aviv, who frequently voices opinions on league matters. Steinberg indicated he would not engage in public disputes with team owners, stating, "I will not settle my issues with team owners through the media." However, he acknowledged the significant contribution of team owners, including Yanai, to the sport, noting that despite disagreements, "one cannot ignore his success."

Additionally, Steinberg touched upon the ownership dispute at Maccabi Tel Aviv, involving businessman Arik Shiltman. While choosing not to intervene in the club's internal affairs, Steinberg welcomed any investment in Israeli basketball. He suggested that the media attention surrounding the ownership battle makes the league more interesting but reiterated that it is an internal club matter, precluding him from taking a stance.