Hapoel Tel Aviv Secures Forward Tomer Ginat with New Contract Through 2030

Hapoel Tel Aviv announced on July 27, 2026, that forward Tomer Ginat will remain with the club until 2030, signing a new contract worth $1 million per season for the next four years. Club owner Ofer Yanai emphasized that Ginat will retire as both an Israeli league champion and a European champion with Hapoel. Despite Ginat’s mixed performance last season and physical setbacks, the club views him as a key symbol and asset, refusing to release him despite interest from Hapoel Jerusalem.

Initially, Ginat held a guaranteed contract for the upcoming season with a salary of approximately $800,000 and no exit clause. However, after Ginat expressed a desire to leave during the offseason, Hapoel Tel Aviv upgraded his contract to include a $1 million annual salary and a modest buyout clause of around $300,000, allowing an exit option at the end of each season over the next four years. This arrangement was designed to avoid a protracted dispute and maintain good relations with fans.

Last season, Ginat was a prominent player in the EuroCup, starting 19 of 24 games and averaging 8.9 points and 4.8 rebounds in nearly 24 minutes per game. However, his role diminished significantly in the EuroLeague, where he played only 14 games, never started, and averaged under 10 minutes with 3.3 points and 1.9 rebounds. Injuries also hampered his performance, including a shoulder injury in November 2025 and knee surgery in March 2026, limiting him to 14 domestic league games and a subpar playoff showing.

Despite these challenges, Ginat accepted the contract extension understanding the club’s ambitions to reach the EuroLeague Final Four and strengthen the roster accordingly. He also recognized the competitive salary landscape, noting that new signings like Zach Laidey earn significantly more. While the upcoming season may be demanding, Ginat now has clarity on his role and future, with control over his career decisions.

This deal reflects a strategic "win-win" for both player and club, balancing Ginat’s desire for flexibility with Hapoel Tel Aviv’s aim to retain a veteran leader amid rebuilding efforts and intense competition in Israeli and European basketball.