Former NBA executive Jason Levien set to buy 29% of Maccabi Tel Aviv

Maccabi Tel Aviv's management is set to undergo a significant change, with the Recanati family planning to sell half of their 58% stake in the team. This move comes from the United States, as Jewish American businessman Jason Levien, the former CEO of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, is set to acquire a 29% stake. The other existing owners have 30 days to decide if they will exercise their right of first refusal to purchase the stake at a price of approximately $50 million.

If no objection is raised, Levien will join the team as an owner. Levien, 52, is a prominent sports executive and investor, specializing in soccer and basketball teams. He began his career as a player agent and held senior management positions in American sports. In 2008, he selected Omri Casspi with the 23rd pick in the NBA draft.

Levien served as the CEO of the Memphis Grizzlies before leaving the team in 2014 due to a breakdown in his relationship with the club's owner, Robert Pera. Since then, he has held various roles, including co-chairman and CEO of MLS soccer club D.C. United, chairman of the Australian basketball team Brisbane Bullets, and co-owner of British soccer club Swansea City.