Hapoel Tel Aviv Signs Tomas Satoransky, Who Welcomes Flexible Living in Bulgaria

Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club has signed Tomas Satoransky, a 34-year-old point guard with NBA and Barcelona experience, ahead of the upcoming season. In an interview from the Czech Republic after signing, Satoransky revealed that the opportunity to live in Sofia, Bulgaria, without the obligation to travel to Israel every week for league games, was a major factor in his decision. The club had initially promised that foreign players would be based in Israel but reversed this due to recent security tensions.

Satoransky explained that the team will reside in a residential complex in Sofia, close to the airport, arena, and school, similar to his previous experience living in a Barcelona neighborhood. He noted that while players must fly to Israel for league games on weekends, only five foreign players can be on the roster at a time, so there will likely be rotation allowing him to stay in Sofia some weekends. He welcomed this less demanding schedule, expecting to serve as the second or third point guard behind Vasili Mitic.

Having played eight NBA seasons with teams including the Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, and San Antonio Spurs, Satoransky returned to Barcelona in 2022 but did not win the EuroLeague. Now with Hapoel Tel Aviv, he aims to make a deep run in the European competition while accepting a reduced playing role. The club’s approach to housing foreign players in Bulgaria is part of their strategy to attract talent amid the ongoing security situation in Israel.