It's far from Hapoel, but Maccabi Tel Aviv is once again aiming for the top of the EuroLeague
By retaining its assets and upgrading in the right places at a cost of millions of dollars, the 'yellows' are putting together a roster that should be worth a playoff spot. Oded Kattash's team is 'returning' to the EuroLeague after two years out of the picture, even though the budget is much lower than that of its city rival.
In recent years, there has been protest from Maccabi Tel Aviv fans regarding insufficient financial investments by the club, as well as the signing of players who do not fit the team's high profile. Although in Israel the 'yellows' continued to collect titles, in practice, the controlled management of the last two years turned Maccabi into just another team in the EuroLeague.
The fans' frustration was twofold in light of the massive investments of Hapoel Tel Aviv, but the summer of 2026 heralds a change of direction. Maccabi has begun to connect with the numbers being talked about in the EuroLeague, and in light of its financial investment this summer, it seems that in the coming season it will be in a different place. To some extent, one can even say that it has finally 'returned' to the top competition.
These are still not the amounts paid to the players of the 'red' rival, but Maccabi's salary data, thanks to the highest player budget it has had by a large margin, signals a fight for belonging to the top. This is an upgrade that should be worth a place in the playoffs, after two years outside of it.
Upgrading in the right places
What characterizes Maccabi economically this time is the retention of its assets at any cost, even if it cost millions of dollars. No fewer than seven players, along with coach Oded Kattash, signed new contracts, extensions, and significant upgrades.
Beyond that, new players arrived for respectable sums, and above all stands Yam Madar, with a salary of 2 million dollars per season. Also, the size of the roster, which grew to 16 players to meet the demands of the long and busy season, increased expenses. This was necessary, and Maccabi definitely worked by the book and upgraded in the right places.
Only in one place did Maccabi save this summer: it parted ways with Lonnie Walker, who earned 2.2 million dollars, and brought in Keaton Wallace instead, who will earn half that amount. However, if needed, Maccabi will reinforce with another guard.
