Racnati Family Buys Federman's Stake in Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball for $50 Million

The Racnati family announced on Tuesday that they have purchased the Federman family's stake in Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club for $50 million. This deal marks the end of the Federman family's involvement in the club, as they held half of Fedenco, which owned 14.5 percent of the club, the same share held by Eric Stillman, founder and CEO of Rapid. Following the transaction, the Racnati family will control 58 percent of Maccabi Tel Aviv, with Richard Deitsch owning 17.5 percent, Shimon Mizrahi 14.5 percent, and Ben Ashkenazi 10 percent.

The Federman family's connection to Maccabi Tel Aviv dates back decades, beginning with David Federman, son of Yitzhak Federman, one of the club's early basketball players. David Federman's company, Elite, was the club's main sponsor until 2008. In the early 2000s, David was a key figure in transitioning the club to private ownership and, alongside Shimon Mizrahi and Udi Racnati, became one of the most prominent leaders during the club's successful era in Israel and Europe. The Federmans held 29 percent of the club's shares over the years. David served on the board and as vice chairman, while his son Danny gradually took on management roles, becoming co-CEO in 2011 and remaining influential even after stepping down. David Federman passed away in February 2026, but the family remained a major force in the club until this sale.

Udi Racnati, together with David Federman and Shimon Mizrahi, was a cornerstone of Maccabi Tel Aviv's ownership and management since the start of private ownership. The three led the club through periods of great success domestically and in Europe. The Racnati family's share increased significantly in 2009 from about 17 percent to 40 percent, making them, alongside Federman, the largest controlling owners. In 2011, Udi's son, Shay Racnati, was appointed vice chairman as part of efforts to rejuvenate the club's leadership and became a key decision-maker for the family.

Following the announcement, Eric Stillman tweeted his support, saying, "I have always been a Maccabi fan and will remain one. I wish the Racnati family much success. Go Maccabi!"