Maccabi and Hapoel Face Off in High-Stakes Winner Cup Final in Holon
Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv face off in the Winner Cup final at Holon's Toto Hall. League Chairman Aryeh Steinberg discusses attendance reforms, foreign player regulations, and record ticket demand.
The Winner Cup final of the Israeli Basketball Premier League is set for Monday at 20:55 at the Toto Hall in Holon, featuring a high-stakes derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv. League Chairman Aryeh Steinberg, speaking from Miami ahead of the match, highlighted the unprecedented demand for tickets and the excitement surrounding the clash.
"We take this extremely seriously," Steinberg said in an interview. "This is our second most important trophy, but beyond that, we love the teams, the hype, and the frenzy around it. We haven't seen ticket demand like this in a very long time. The fans and the teams are voting with their feet. We are in the middle of three consecutive derbies. This is a celebration, but it is the most important match because a title is on the line."
Addressing Attendance and Funding Reform
Following criticism last season over declining attendance, the league overhauled its financial distribution model. Subsidies are no longer distributed arbitrarily; instead, funding depends on strict criteria tied to boosting crowd attendance and enhancing the fan experience. Steinberg noted an immediate positive trend across arenas this season.
"In the numbers, we see the results of our actions," Steinberg explained. "We changed the format, and there is no more handing out foolish money by the league. Distribution relies on clear, rigid criteria regarding bringing fans to games and improving their experience. Every team wants to bring in as many spectators as possible and provide the best experience."
Response to Criticism Over Foreign Players and Scheduling
Addressing criticism from Hapoel Tel Aviv head coach Dimitris Itoudis regarding foreign player registration rules and fixture congestion, Steinberg firmly rejected claims of bias. The league reverted to pre-pandemic regulations to avoid a revolving door of foreign imports and ensure fair play.
"There is no such thing as a decision related to the Premier League involving the word 'intentional' against anyone," Steinberg stated. "The only intentional goal we have is acting for the benefit of the league. Period. We don't look at what is good or bad for a specific team. We look at the league's best interests and fair play."
Steinberg added that despite the heavy scheduling burdens caused by European competitions, the league's hands are tied by a packed calendar. He expressed confidence that the final will deliver a spectacular show, reflecting the high caliber of Israeli basketball.
