Maccabi Tel Aviv Signs Yam Madar for Reported €4 Million Net Salary Amid Controversy

Yam Madar's transfer from Hapoel Tel Aviv to Maccabi Tel Aviv has stirred significant debate in Israeli basketball. On July 5, 2026, Hapoel Tel Aviv owner Ofer Yanai publicly addressed the deal, revealing that Madar's actual net salary is around €4 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid players in Europe. Yanai explained that negotiations with Madar were unusual, with no room for compromise, suggesting Madar had a guaranteed offer from another party for that exact amount.

Yanai stated that while Hapoel offered Madar over $3 million, Madar did not hesitate to reject it, indicating he signed the contract he wanted. Despite Maccabi officially declaring a €2 million contract to downplay salary inflation, Yanai insisted the real figure is double that, which could have significant implications for future salary expectations in the league.

Yanai also accused Maccabi of using the signing not only for Madar's talent but as a strategic move to undermine Hapoel and himself personally. He dismissed the attempt to embarrass him, emphasizing that the financial burden of the contract is what truly matters in the long term. Yanai concluded by questioning whether Maccabi truly won the battle for the player or if the outcome was part of his own plan all along.