Jason Levien Set to Acquire 29% Stake in Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club

American-Jewish businessman Jason Levien is on the verge of purchasing a 29% stake in Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club from the Recanati family, who will retain an equal share. Levien, born in 1973, has an estimated net worth exceeding $290 million as of 2024, built primarily through his legal career and extensive involvement in sports management. Unlike many sports team owners, Levien brings significant basketball experience, having played college basketball and worked as a sports agent representing players like Odomas Haslem and Kevin Martin.

Levien’s career highlights include a White House communications internship during Bill Clinton’s presidency, managing NBA players, and serving in executive roles with NBA teams such as the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies. He was Memphis’s CEO during the Mark Gasol and Zach Randolph era and helped the team earn recognition as the NBA’s best sports organization in 2013. Levien also played a key role in facilitating the sale of the Philadelphia 76ers to Josh Harris.

In addition to basketball, Levien has owned and managed soccer teams, including D.C. United, where he led the construction of a new stadium, Swansea City in the English leagues, and Brisbane Bullets in Australia’s NBL. His tenure at Swansea was marked by challenges, including relegation and managerial instability, which he has acknowledged.

Levien’s approach to ownership is noted for collaboration and strategic patience rather than aggressive tactics, a style praised by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. His global sports connections and management experience could be valuable as Maccabi Tel Aviv prepares for the EuroLeague’s transition to a franchise-based model. While his exact role and level of involvement remain to be seen, Levien’s background suggests a potentially transformative influence on the club’s future.

The deal is pending completion, and fans are advised to temper expectations as ownership impact typically unfolds over years. Levien’s proven ability to build organizations and foster partnerships positions him as an intriguing new figure in Israeli basketball ownership.