Former NBA Executive Jason Levine May Join Ownership of Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club

Maccabi Tel Aviv's ownership landscape is set for potential change this summer as the Recanati family acquired shares from the Federman family, with new investors possibly joining the champion club. Among the prominent businessmen considered to join is Jason Levine, a 52-year-old American sports executive and investor with a background as a former Memphis Grizzlies CEO in the NBA. Levine began his career as a sports agent before moving into senior management roles in American sports. In 2008, he transitioned from player agent to assistant general manager and deputy CEO of the Sacramento Kings, where he notably selected Omri Casspi in the 2009 NBA draft. Levine later served as CEO of the Memphis Grizzlies but was abruptly dismissed in 2014 following a conflict with owner Robert Pera.

Since 2012, Levine has been co-chairman and CEO of D.C. United in Major League Soccer, leading an investor group that took control of the club. He also chairs the Australian basketball team Brisbane Bullets. In 2016, Levine and partner Steve Kaplan acquired majority control of English football club Swansea City, appointing Bob Bradley as coach amid fan tensions due to the ownership change; Levine sold his stake in 2024.

Regarding Maccabi Tel Aviv's ownership structure, initial reports suggest Levine may purchase about 25% of the Recanati family's shares, who would retain the largest stake at 33%. The deal is valued at over $45 million, and combined, Levine and the Recanati family would hold the majority of the club's shares. Last week, the Recanati family exercised a last-minute right to buy out the Federman family's shares, ending their ownership. Post-transaction, the Recanatis will hold 58%, Richard Deitz 17.5%, Shimon Mizrahi 14.5%, and Ben Ashkenazi 10%.

Club insiders believe this is not the final ownership arrangement, as the Recanati family likely seeks to share the financial burden of managing the team, which requires significant annual investment. The acquisition of Federman shares is seen as the first step in a broader plan to bring in new investors chosen by the Recanati family to help fund operations and expand the budget, differing from the previous Federman-Shtilman deal.