French professional basketball player Frédéric Bourdillon has signed a contract with EuroLeague club Hapoël Tel Aviv for the 2026–27 season, balancing his new high-level athletic career with his ongoing work as a restaurateur in Antibes, according to regional newspaper Nice-Matin.
Frédéric Bourdillon Signs With EuroLeague Club Hapoël Tel Aviv
During August 2026, Hapoël Tel Aviv announced the unexpected signing of 35-year-old guard Frédéric Bourdillon. According to Nice-Matin, the club is coached by Dimitrios Itoudis and reached the quarterfinals of the previous EuroLeague campaign.
Bourdillon stated to Nice-Matin that his role is primarily focused on domestic league play with the objective of capturing a title, while appearances in EuroLeague will depend on team needs and injuries. He spent the previous nine seasons playing in the Israeli Basketball Super League, winning a championship in 2022 with Hapoël Holon and playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Balancing Professional Basketball and Restaurant Ventures in Antibes
Outside of basketball, Bourdillon manages restaurant businesses in the French coastal town of Antibes. According to Nice-Matin, he partnered with Yann Duteil three and a half years ago to open “La Petite Garoupe” at Cape d’Antibes. In 2026, he expanded his business ventures by acquiring a second establishment, “La Table,” located on Place Nationale with two business partners.
Bourdillon’s daily schedule during the summer months involves morning basketball training sessions followed by management duties at his restaurants. He noted to Nice-Matin that the dual lifestyle requires significant personal sacrifices and time away from family as he prepares for Hapoël Tel Aviv’s upcoming pre-season training camp in Bulgaria.
Career History With Antibes Sharks
Before his career in Israel, Bourdillon played for the French club Antibes Sharks during the 2009 season and again from 2014 to 2017. According to Nice-Matin, he played a key role in helping the Sharks achieve promotion to the elite Pro A division during the 2014–15 season, highlighting the play-off final victory against Denain at the Azur Arena as one of his career highlights.
Bourdillon indicated to Nice-Matin that finishing his playing career with the Antibes Sharks remains an option in the future, pending the club’s interest, though he intends to play at a high level in Israel for two more years.
Worth a look