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

American-Jewish businessman Jason Levien is poised to purchase a 29% stake in Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club from the Rikanati 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 direct basketball experience, having played college basketball and worked as a sports agent representing notable players such as Odomnis Haslem and Kevin Martin.

Levien’s career highlights include a White House internship during the Clinton administration, a stint in the Sacramento Kings’ front office where he helped draft Israeli player Omri Casspi, and serving as CEO of the Memphis Grizzlies from 2012 to 2014. Despite parting ways with Memphis after two years due to disagreements with owner Robert Pera, Levien earned praise for his leadership and helped Memphis earn the NBA’s best sports organization award in 2013.

He later led the development of a new soccer stadium for D.C. United, a club he co-owns, and acquired English club Swansea City in 2016, though his tenure there was marked by relegation and admitted management failures. In 2019, he also became a co-owner of the Brisbane Bullets in Australia’s NBL.

Levien’s approach to ownership is noted for its collaborative style and strategic patience rather than aggressive tactics, a trait highlighted by NBA commissioner Adam Silver. While his exact role and level of involvement with Maccabi Tel Aviv remain to be seen, his global sports connections and management experience are expected to benefit the club, especially as the EuroLeague moves toward a franchise model with increased investment. Experts describe Levien as a determined and effective leader capable of uniting people and executing plans, making him a noteworthy new figure in Israeli basketball ownership.