Hapoel Tel Aviv Basketball Faces Fan Backlash with Under 1,000 Season Tickets Sold Amid Ownership Dispute

Hapoel Tel Aviv's basketball team is experiencing a significant crisis with its fan base, as fewer than 1,000 season tickets have been renewed for the upcoming season despite high-profile signings and ambitions to compete at the top of the EuroLeague. This decline comes amid ongoing tensions between the club's owner, Ofer Yanai, and the supporters, particularly the ultras, following the controversial move to Menora Mivtachim Arena and demands for advance payments including for EuroLeague games that will not be held in Israel in the near future.

Out of approximately 4,500 eligible renewing fans from the previous season, only about 800 have renewed their subscriptions during the first renewal phase, which required payment of a EuroLeague advance. Fans who missed this phase are now barred from purchasing season tickets, a policy that has further alienated the crowd. The club is expected to face embarrassment and may have to open ticket sales to the general public due to low demand.

Adding to fan concerns is a clause requiring season ticket holders to accept the possibility of games being moved back to Menora Arena, the home of rival Maccabi Tel Aviv, which had previously caused a major rift between the owner and supporters. This turmoil contrasts sharply with the club's football division, where new owner Edmond Safra has not invested as heavily but enjoys strong fan support, with over 17,000 season tickets sold and large crowds attending European matches.

While the basketball club still has about six weeks before the official league and EuroLeague seasons start and can sell up to 3,500 tickets for the smaller Shlomo Group Arena, the current situation represents a serious setback for a team aiming for high-level competition. The club has promised to provide an official response once received.