Racnati Family Completes Majority Purchase of Maccabi Tel Aviv, Federman Family Bids Farewell

On July 15, 2026, the Racnati family finalized the acquisition of a 58% stake in Maccabi Tel Aviv, marking the end of a 90-year legacy held by the Federman family. Danny Federman, son of the late David Federman, publicly acknowledged the completion of the sale and reflected on his family's deep-rooted connection to the club, which began with his grandfather, Yitzhak Federman, a captain of Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 1930s. The Federman family's involvement extended through decades, including David Federman's sponsorship of the club in the 1980s and 1990s and his role in privatizing the club in the early 2000s, reshaping Israeli sports.

Danny Federman, who grew up in the club's youth system and served as CEO from 2011 to 2015 during the team's memorable 2014 EuroLeague victory, emphasized that Maccabi Tel Aviv was more than just ownership or shares to his family, it was a way of life and a symbol of Israeli sports on the international stage. Recently, the Federmans, through their company Padenco Sport, proposed a strategic investment plan involving Israeli and American investors to advance the club further. However, the Racnati family exercised their right of first refusal to purchase the shares, effectively blocking the Federmans' investment plan.

Despite the sale, Danny Federman expressed sincere wishes for the Racnati family's success and hoped their plans would preserve the club's values, heritage, and status as a leading Israeli sports institution. He concluded by affirming that while ownership can change hands, the legacy and spirit of Maccabi Tel Aviv remain with the Federman family forever.