Maccabi Tel Aviv's Yam Madar to Face Former Club Hapoel Tel Aviv in Social Supercup

The new basketball season in Israel will kick off with a highly anticipated Supercup match between Maccabi Tel Aviv, the reigning double champions, and Hapoel Tel Aviv, last season's runners-up. The game, known as the "Social Supercup" and organized by the Histadrut, is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 20:55 in the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv.

A key highlight of the match will be Yam Madar's first appearance against Hapoel Tel Aviv since his high-profile transfer to Maccabi Tel Aviv this summer. Madar, who grew up in the Hapoel club, will face his former team in what is expected to be one of the season's opening highlights. This game also marks the first meeting between the two city rivals since last season's playoff finals, which Maccabi Tel Aviv won.

Despite high demand, ticket prices will remain affordable starting at 49 NIS to allow as many fans as possible to attend the season opener. Ari Steinberg, chairman of the Winner League, emphasized the significance of the Supercup as the main event to launch the Israeli basketball season, highlighting the intense rivalry and the compelling storyline of Madar facing his former club.

Dudu Bezalel, CEO of the Histadrut, expressed pride in leading the Social Supercup initiative again this year, underscoring the derby's promise of an exciting sporting experience and the goal to keep the event accessible to all fans and families in Israel. He noted that sport serves as a bridge connecting people, which aligns with the social mission of the event.