Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan Unites Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams in Historic Move

Avi Gabay, chairman and owner of Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan basketball club, has orchestrated a historic unification of the city’s men’s and women’s basketball teams under one organizational umbrella. Announced on August 24, 2026, this merger transforms the club from a men’s team with a prestigious youth division into a comprehensive city-wide sports institution with both teams competing in the Israeli Premier League. Gabay emphasized that the unified club represents the entire city and promotes excellence without gender distinction, creating a single community and brand.

The women’s team, established in 1957, is one of Israel’s leading and most stable women’s basketball teams. This season, they won the State Cup for the sixth time and the Winner Cup, having previously secured two national championships and six runner-up finishes. The merger enables joint activities in local schools, volunteer projects, social initiatives, and city campaigns, broadening the club’s community impact and role model presence.

Gabay outlined plans to collaborate with Ramat Gan municipality to build a modern arena honoring both teams, serving also as a cultural and business hub. He described the union as more than a shared management structure, highlighting its role in fostering equality, inspiration, and a strong city identity. Ora Glazer, CEO of the women’s club since 2010 and former chairwoman, praised the move as a social, community, and marketing milestone that positions the club as a leader in women’s sports empowerment.

Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen welcomed the merger, noting the city’s extensive financial support for local sports and the unification’s potential to strengthen community pride and sports excellence. He expressed confidence that the partnership will foster a successful and value-driven sports collaboration in the city.