Hapoel Tel Aviv Basketball Appoints New Chairman Amid Fan Discontent, CEO to Depart

Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club announced significant leadership changes following reports of a sharp decline in season ticket sales. Stav Shacham, a lifelong Hapoel fan and current board member, has been appointed as the new chairman of the club, taking the role on a voluntary basis. Concurrently, CEO Tzachi Rikhnstein will step down after two years, with Oren Hasson set to replace him.

These changes come amid a tense period between the club's management and its fan base, who have expressed growing dissatisfaction despite high-profile player signings. The club has faced a crisis in ticket sales ahead of the new season, signaling a disconnect with supporters. Shacham acknowledged the challenges, stating that such large-scale transitions naturally cause friction and that the club intends to address and repair these issues.

Shacham emphasized his commitment to reconnecting the club with its fans and reaffirmed the team's competitive ambitions for the season, aiming to contend for the national championship, State Cup, and EuroLeague titles. He is also known as the owner of RTMI and Segment, and previously owned the football club Hapoel Kfar Saba. RTMI is a major sponsor of Hapoel Tel Aviv's football and women's basketball teams. Shacham has been involved with Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball as a board member and sponsor in recent years.