Historic merger in Ramat Gan: Men's and women's teams to operate under same club

In a landmark shift for Israeli sports, Maccabi Ramat Gan has officially announced a historic club-wide merger. Moving forward, both the men’s and women’s basketball programs will operate under a single managerial umbrella.

"From a club consisting of a men's team in the Super League and a glorious youth department, Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan is becoming a club for an entire city - a club with significantly greater municipal sporting power, one single club representing an entire city, with two teams under the same home playing in the top divisions. The merger demonstrates a model of excellence regardless of gender. Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan is one club with one community," said businessman Avi Gabbay, who purchased Maccabi Ramat Gan last April and recently integrated the women's team into his organization.

Founded in 1957, the Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan women's basketball program has long stood as one of the country's most prominent and consistent powerhouses. Alongside two national championships and six runner-up finishes, the team added to its storied legacy this season by capturing both the Winner Cup and its sixth State Cup title.

"The unification between the men's and women's teams makes the Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan basketball club the largest and most influential club in the city," Gabbay stated. "Instead of two clubs operating separately, we have created one club with two arms in the top basketball leagues, operating under uniform professional and managerial standards that will yield broader media exposure. In cooperation with the Ramat Gan Municipality, I plan to build a modern, worthy arena in the city that will honor both of our top-tier teams - an arena that will also serve as a hub for cultural and business activities."

He added: "The connection between the men's and women's teams is more than just a shared management structure. We are creating one large, egalitarian, and influential club that provides women and men an equal stage to excel, lead, and inspire the next generation. A large club creates a unified sporting family home that bridges community, generations, and genders, strengthens municipal identity and pride, and generates a more significant marketing, community, and commercial platform."

Ora Glazer, who joined the organization in 1997 and has served as CEO since 2010 following her tenure as women's club chairperson, expressed her enthusiasm for the milestone move.

"I am very happy about this historic, value-driven move. Connecting the two teams represents a social, community, and marketing step that positions Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan as a leading club in empowering women through sports," Glazer said. "When women and men operate under the same club, the same brand, and the same management philosophy, the message is clear: Achievement, professionalism, and excellence do not depend on gender. This union allows the club to build a broader and more modern brand."

Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen praised the initiative, highlighting the city's ongoing commitment to local athletics.

"I welcome the merger between the women's and men's teams. Ramat Gan provides the largest budgetary support for municipal basketball and soccer sports teams in Israel," Shama-Hacohen commented. "We do this understanding that local sports are a source of pride that brings the community together, instills values of excellence, teamwork, and achievement, and expands the city's rich sports offerings. This historic merger is a natural step that unites two excellent, athletic, and value-driven teams under one managerial and professional roof. Both teams have a rich record of activity that brings great pride to Ramat Gan, and I am confident this connection will lead to a wonderful athletic partnership."