Israeli Football League Board Approves Financial Incentives for 2026/27 Season

The Israeli Football League Management Board approved the financial incentive framework for the upcoming 2026/2027 season in both the Premier League (Winner League) and the National League. The minimum total incentives will be 2.2 million shekels for the Premier League and 790,000 shekels for the National League. These funds are contingent on clubs meeting various targets aimed at enhancing Israeli football across multiple dimensions.

The incentive program emphasizes improving the spectator experience, upgrading broadcast infrastructure, developing youth departments, and maintaining the league's image. Specific criteria include grants for fan conditions, new media and public relations management, product quality improvements, and financial rewards for fielding Israeli players. Clubs must also meet payment deadlines for salaries and suppliers, with thresholds set at 300,000 shekels in the Premier League and 200,000 shekels in the National League.

A notable component is the "Youth Stars" clause, allocating around 500,000 shekels based on the strength of youth departments, including facilities, professional staff, and integration of youth players into senior teams. Playoff matches carry performance-based bonuses: in the Premier League's upper playoff, a win earns 140,000 shekels and a draw 70,000 shekels; in the lower playoff, wins and draws yield 67,000 and 33,000 shekels respectively. The National League offers 73,350 shekels for a win and 36,675 for a draw in the upper playoff, and 53,460 and 26,730 shekels in the lower playoff.

Additionally, incentives for improving the league's image amount to 350,000 shekels in the Premier League and 200,000 in the National League, representing about a quarter of the total funds. Any reductions in incentives for clubs failing to meet targets will be redistributed among those that do. Erez Calfon, Chairman of the League Management, stated that the incentive model is based on mutual partnership and responsibility, aiming to support clubs that invest and meet professional standards, ultimately enhancing fan experience, youth development, and financial and reputational management.