Hapoel Tel Aviv Investor Gili Ra'anan Praises Maccabi, Says Now Is Hapoel's Time to Shine

Gili Ra'anan, an entrepreneur and investor holding shares in Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball team, recently spoke to Euro Insiders about the rivalry with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the future of his club. Ra'anan acknowledged Maccabi's long-standing success in European basketball, calling their achievements a pathbreaker for Israeli basketball. "Maccabi paved the way, but now it is our time," he said, emphasizing respect for Maccabi's legacy while expressing confidence in Hapoel's potential to rise.

Ra'anan also praised Hapoel's project led by owner Ofer Yanai, describing his immediate support for the initiative. He noted their weekly communications with the coaching staff and highlighted the project’s significance beyond sports, especially following the difficult period after October 7, viewing it as a community rehabilitation effort.

When asked if winning the EuroLeague with Hapoel would be his greatest personal achievement, Ra'anan responded that an NBA championship with Hapoel would surpass all his accomplishments, including those in the tech industry. He expressed no limits on his ambitions for the team.

The interview underscores a shift in the Tel Aviv basketball scene, with Hapoel aiming to build on Maccabi's foundation and establish its own legacy in Israeli and European basketball.