Yam Madar Signs Record Deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club

Yam Madar officially joined Maccabi Tel Aviv, completing one of the biggest transfers in Israeli basketball history. The 25-year-old guard left Hapoel Tel Aviv and signed a three-year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv, including an option for two additional years. His salary is approximately $2 million per season, making it the highest ever paid to an Israeli player by Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Madar had previously terminated his contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv by paying a $300,000 buyout, despite Hapoel offering him a longer and more lucrative contract. He chose Maccabi for professional reasons despite the lower financial offer. The transfer was delayed due to disagreements over insurance coverage and the buyout payment to Hapoel, but these issues were eventually resolved.

Madar impressed during the finals series against Maccabi Tel Aviv, scoring 34 points with 10 assists in the second game and 26 points with nine assists in the fourth game, along with 41 points in the last regular-season derby. This season, he averaged 13.2 points (41.8% from three-point range) and 4 assists per game in the Israeli Premier League, and 3.1 points in 9:42 minutes per game in the EuroLeague.

This move marks Madar's fourth team in his career, following Hapoel Tel Aviv, Partizan Belgrade, and Fenerbahçe, and his fourth EuroLeague club as well. Madar expressed excitement about joining Maccabi and meeting the fans, saying, "Looking forward to meeting the crowd. Let's go Maccabi!"