Israeli Basketball's Top Three Clubs Announce Record Player Salaries for 2026/27 Season

Ahead of the 2026/27 basketball season starting next month, Israel's three leading basketball teams, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Hapoel Jerusalem, have revealed record-breaking player salary budgets. This follows a continuing trend of rising salaries in European basketball, with all three clubs significantly increasing their payrolls compared to last season.

Hapoel Tel Aviv leads by a wide margin, allocating approximately $31.83 million for player salaries, up from $23.23 million last season. Their top earners include Vasilije Micić at $6 million, Elijah Bryant at $5 million, and Zack Laidlaw at $3 million. Several other players earn over $1 million, reflecting the club's dominant financial position.

Maccabi Tel Aviv has also made substantial jumps, budgeting around $18.05 million for the upcoming season, nearly doubling last year's $10.28 million. Key players include Daniel Theis and Lonnie Walker, each earning $2.2 million, with additional significant salaries for Yam Madar, Othello Hunter, and Jalen Hood-Schifino. The club expects to add Armando Bacot and Keaton Wallace soon, though Wallace is anticipated to replace Walker.

Hapoel Jerusalem's payroll has nearly doubled as well, reaching about $10.48 million from $5.79 million last season. Jared Harper leads with $1.7 million, followed by David Roddy at $1.5 million and Kenny Lofton Jr. at $1.3 million. Several players earn close to or above $1 million, signaling the club's growing competitiveness.

These salary increases underscore the escalating financial investments in Israeli basketball, aligning with broader European trends. The clubs are finalizing their rosters as the new season approaches, aiming to strengthen their squads for domestic and continental competitions.