Maccabi Tel Aviv Awaits Deadline on Yam Madar's Potential Transfer from Hapoel Tel Aviv

The future of Israeli basketball player Yam Madar remains uncertain this summer amid ongoing speculation about a possible move to Maccabi Tel Aviv, the club's biggest rival. As of late June 29, 2026, Maccabi has not yet made an official offer to Madar, but head coach Oded Katash and his staff highly value his skills and would like to add him to their roster.

Madar currently holds a mutual release clause in his contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv that expires on June 30 at 23:59. This clause allows him to leave Hapoel for a fee of $300,000. Maccabi has stated they will only approach Madar if he activates this clause and leaves Hapoel; as long as he remains under contract, they have no intention to negotiate. Hapoel had offered Madar a long-term deal worth $2.5 million per season, which he declined. Maccabi does not typically pay Israeli players such high salaries.

Roman Sorkin, a key player for Maccabi, currently earns $900,000 per season and is the highest-paid Israeli on the team. While Sorkin is expected to receive a salary increase in a new contract, it will not approach the figures discussed for Madar. Maccabi's budget is set to rise significantly to around 130 million shekels, but the club does not foresee paying any Israeli player more than Sorkin.

Another factor is Tamir Blatt, who received an official offer from Maccabi for $900,000 per season with an option for a second year, down from his initial demand of $1.5 million. Should Madar join Maccabi, it will likely impact Blatt's decision. With several variables at play, the basketball community awaits the deadline tomorrow night to see if Madar's transfer to Maccabi will materialize.