Yanai Adviser Says Hapoel Tel Aviv’s Fans Are Still Closest to Their Team

Ronen Tzur, an adviser to Hapoel Tel Aviv owner Yanai, said in an interview on 5 in the Air that the club is not estranged from its supporters, even as some fans stay away. He argued that the current problem is part of a wider decline in Israeli basketball attendance, not something unique to Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Asked whether the club can reconnect with fans, Tzur said the work must focus on bringing crowds back, but stressed, “There is no gap and no disconnect.” He added that there is no confrontation between Yanai and Hapoel Tel Aviv supporters, only possible disagreements, which he called natural. “Not everything is black and white,” he said.

Tzur also defended Yanai against the legal pressure he is facing, saying, “Ofer is suffering harassment for no reason. He acts out of love for basketball.” He said the broader issue is the state of the league’s stands, asking why the problems are being framed as specific to Hapoel Tel Aviv when they affect all teams.

In the same interview, Tzur pointed to football as a model for basketball in terms of fan engagement and transparency, citing the level of openness in Israeli football and at the football referees’ body. He argued that basketball should adopt the positive practices seen in football.