Hapoel Jerusalem plans its biggest budget ever ahead of next season

Hapoel Jerusalem has finished the 2025/2026 season and is already preparing for 2026/2027, with the goal of taking a step forward under Sasha Obradovic, who is expected to sign soon as the team’s coach.

The club intends to significantly increase its budget, with player salaries projected to rise by about 30%. That would make next season’s budget the largest in Hapoel Jerusalem’s history.

Jared Harper is set to remain with the team because he already has a guaranteed contract for next season, but the club is also trying to lock him down with a new, improved deal. This year, Harper was the only player on a salary above $1 million, while next season the club expects to have several players earning more than $1 million.

Hapoel Jerusalem is looking for proven foreign players with European competition experience and will also try to sign players released from the NBA who can make an immediate impact in Europe. Justin Smith, who does not have a contract for next season, is uncertain, while the other foreigners are expected to leave.

Among those departing is Austin Wiley, who had one more season left on his deal with a buyout clause. The club offered him a new contract, but recent developments tied to the security situation in Israel disrupted his plans and changed the outlook on his future with the team.