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Hapoel Tel Aviv owner Ofer Yannay has made an unusual proposal to NBA legend Dennis Rodman, inviting him to Israel to conduct a rebounding workshop for the EuroLeague club.
According to Noa Poplinger of Sport5, Yannay sent Rodman a personal letter offering to cover business-class flights, hotel accommodation for him and up to three additional guests, while also proposing an appearance fee of approximately $100,000.
Yannay wants Rodman to teach Hapoel players
Yannay explained that despite Hapoel's rapid rise over the past three years, one issue still needs to be addressed.
"Apparently, even when you are building an ambitious basketball team, money can't solve everything," Yannay wrote.
"We still need to grab more rebounds!"
The Hapoel owner said he had long been fascinated by Rodman's approach to rebounding and the way the five-time NBA champion studied shot angles, ball rotation and how rebounds came off the rim.
"I thought to myself: instead of talking about rebounding, why not invite the man who turned it into an art form?" Yannay wrote.
Under the proposed plan, Rodman would spend several days in Tel Aviv, including a relaxed arrival day followed by a special rebounding workshop with Hapoel's players, a VIP meeting and interview, as well as a dinner with the club.
Hapoel offer Rodman around $100,000
"We will cover business-class flights and hotel accommodation for you and, at your choice, up to three additional guests, and we will also offer you an appearance fee of approximately $100,000 for the visit and activities," Yannay wrote.
Hapoel would also be permitted to use media content recorded during Rodman's visit for the club's marketing and promotional activities.
Yannay even offered to introduce Rodman to Tel Aviv's nightlife, promising VIP access to selected venues during his stay.
"One thing I can promise you: you will receive a lot of love here — from me, from our club, and especially from thousands of passionate Hapoel Tel Aviv fans," Yannay concluded.
Rodman, 65, is widely regarded as one of the greatest rebounders in NBA history. The Hall of Famer won five NBA championships, earned seven rebounding titles and was twice named NBA Defensive Player of the Year during his 14-season career.