Hapoel Jerusalem Owner Matan Adelson Discusses Team's Future, NBA Aspirations

Matan Adelson, the owner of Hapoel Jerusalem basketball club, shared extensive insights in a recent interview with Euro Insiders, covering his motivations for investing in the team, his vision for its future, and his thoughts on the Israeli basketball landscape.

Adelson, who moved to Israel and purchased the club at a young age, explained that his passion for basketball stems from his childhood in Los Angeles, where he was a fan of Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. He acknowledged that owning a basketball club is not a financially lucrative venture, stating that he is currently losing money but sees significant value in the business opportunities, networking, and personal growth the role provides. He emphasized his commitment to Hapoel Jerusalem and his desire to see the club reach its highest potential, viewing it as a project of passion that can also benefit Israel by showcasing the country on a global stage.

Reflecting on his ownership, Adelson admitted to making mistakes but highlighted the significant progress made. He addressed criticism from fans, suggesting it has been excessive in recent years, while also acknowledging the need for constructive feedback. He revealed that the club has had opportunities to acquire stakes in major sports franchises like NBA and Premier League teams, but his father's philosophy of investing only in places he cares about and can be present in led him to focus on Hapoel Jerusalem.

Adelson discussed the challenges faced by the club, including the logistical and financial strain of relocating games to Belgrade due to the security situation following the October 7th attacks. He also touched upon the inflated player market in European basketball and the club's strategy, which he believes prioritizes building the best team on the court over simply having the largest budget, citing examples like Manchester United and Chelsea. He identified Maccabi Tel Aviv as Hapoel Jerusalem's primary rival.

Looking ahead, Adelson expressed his ambition for Hapoel Jerusalem to compete at the highest level, ideally in the EuroLeague, and to win championships. He also discussed the potential for NBA Europe, believing it could succeed if executed correctly, though he noted that some financial projections might be unrealistic. He remains committed to Hapoel Jerusalem's long-term success and aims to establish it as a leading force in European basketball, emphasizing community engagement and support as core values alongside athletic achievement.