Hapoel Rishon LeZion Secures Major Sponsorship Deal

Hapoel Rishon LeZion, a team in Israel's second-tier National League, has announced a significant new sponsorship and investment deal with businessmen Dudu and Natalie Vaturi. The Vaturis, who currently own Liga Bet club Bnei Eilat, will inject 5 million shekels into Hapoel Rishon LeZion over the next five years with the goal of promoting the team to the Premier League. The deal is structured as a sponsorship, not a full ownership transfer, with the club remaining under the public association 'Hapoel Rishon LeZion'. Natalie Vaturi is set to assume the role of club president. This marks the third ownership change in the last decade for the club, which has been managed by a public association. The Vaturis recently met with the mayor of Rishon LeZion, who expressed his support for the investment. The initial 1 million shekel injection is expected in January to strengthen the senior team and youth academy. The club will be renamed "Hapoel D.N. Rishon LeZion." Ariel Barak will serve as the owner's representative, having previously held a similar role with Amir Hamias at Hapoel Ramat Gan. Natalie Vaturi will gain signing authority upon joining the association on Sunday. The Vaturis stated their belief in the club's potential and their commitment to elevating it to the Premier League, focusing on strengthening the team, investing in youth development, and engaging with the community. The mayor of Rishon LeZion welcomed the Vaturis' investment as a vote of confidence and a boost for the team's aspirations to reach the top tier. The club's general manager highlighted the agreement's potential for long-term planning.