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. On August 25, 2026, the club appointed Stav Shacham as the new chairman. Shacham, a lifelong Hapoel fan and longtime board member, will serve voluntarily and aims to restore the relationship between the club and its supporters.

Simultaneously, CEO Tzachi Rikhnstein will step down after two years in the role, a move widely seen as a dismissal due to dissatisfaction with his performance. Oren Hasson is set to replace him. These changes come amid a tense atmosphere between the club's management and parts of its fan base, who have expressed growing frustration despite high-profile player signings.

Shacham acknowledged the recent conflicts, stating that large-scale changes naturally cause friction and that some issues need to be addressed. He emphasized his commitment to reconnecting the club with all its fans while maintaining the team's competitive ambitions. The club aims to contend for major titles this season, including the national championship, State Cup, and EuroLeague.

Stav Shacham is also known as the owner of RTMI and Segment, and previously owned the Hapoel Kfar Saba football club. RTMI is a primary 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.