By Dimitris Minaretzis/ info@eurohoops.net
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv has countered a massive collegiate pursuit of Yam Madar with a staggering three-year, €8 million contract offer designed to secure the guard as a foundational piece for their future, according to the Israeli outlet Ynet.
The club is pulling out all the financial stops to prevent the 25-year-old international from jumping to the NCAA. LSU has allegedly extended a groundbreaking offer of its own, with leaks indicating an annual Name, Image, and Likeness, NIL, package reaching $5 million. To combat this unprecedented recruitment, the Israeli franchise is presenting an average salary of €2.6 million per season, a valuation that raises serious questions about market reality versus performance.
The astronomical figures appear highly disproportionate when looking at the guard’s recent European campaign, where he barely featured as a rotational asset. Throughout the EuroLeague season, he stepped onto the floor in just 16 contests, scratching out a meager ten minutes of action per game. However, an injury to backcourt star Elijah Bryant completely shifted the team’s dynamics and handed the playmaker a massive opportunity.
Thrust into a primary role during Israel’s Winner League Playoffs 2026, the guard responded by elevating his playing time to 30 minutes per game for the team coached by Dimitris Itoudis. He capitalized on the extended run by exploding for 19.8 points and 3.6 assists per match, driving his team directly into the domestic Finals.
While his postseason surge is undeniable, anchoring a EuroLeague offense for the 2026–27 campaign is a vastly different challenge than a localized playoff hot streak. By committing such an unreal financial package, the team’s front office is clearly signaling that they believe he is ready to transition from a fringe role player into an elite continental leader.
Winner League Playoffs 2026
Quarterfinals (best-of-three)
Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv – Hapoel Altshuler Shaham Beer Sheva/Dimona 2-0 (106-90, 108-83)
Bnei Penlink Herzliya – Hapoel Netanel Holon 0-2 (73-84, 84-99)
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv – Maccabi Tapuzina Rishon LeZion 2-1 (74-82, 95-69, 96-83)
Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem – Hapoel Gilat Telecom Haemek 2-0 (82-71, 98-91)
Semifinals (best-of-five)
Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv – Hapoel Netanel Holon 3-0 (107-93, 84-74, 89-61)
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv – Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem 3-0 (20-0, 88-84, 89-81)
Finals (best-of-five)
Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv – Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv 0-0
Make