DOHA (Qatar) - The FIBA NXT Leaders Program tipped off in Doha, Qatar, and has already showcased how it will empower the global basketball community through first-class learning opportunities and personal development experiences.
Delivered by FIBA and executed through the FIBA Academy, the initiative has been created for current and emerging strategic leaders and executives of National Federations, Leagues, and Clubs, as well as former players, to assist with their respective career transitions and build capacity and skills in the sport.
The inaugural in-person session in Doha proved to be hugely successful for the 25 participants, aided by the dedication and commitment shown by the Qatar Basketball Federation to support the program. Attendees included leaders and executives from National Federations, as well as former elite athletes.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 hosts delivered world-class logistical support across all four days, providing premium venues such as the Lusail Arena and 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum for delegates to get the most from the sessions and activities.
The sessions in Doha focused on multiple topics, including participation and performance frameworks, European and North American Sports Models, the Evolution of Basketball Leagues around the world, FIBA National Teams Competition, 3x3 Basketball, eFIBA and Event Hosting.
In addition to the workshops, delegates had the chance to try 3x3 basketball, and also important team building and social activities in what was their first time together learning as a cohort face-to-face.
As well as enjoying the valuable insight from FIBA experts, delegates were also treated to a special guest appearance from former French national team and NBA star Ronny Turiaf, who talked about his experiences in the sport.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis commented: "We firstly express our sincere thanks to our friends and colleagues at the Qatar Basketball Federation for the exceptional hosting of this first in-person hub and for making it so memorable for the participants.
"It was also very valuable to have a player such as Ronny Turiaf taking the time to join us and sharing his valuable insight."
He added: "It was very rewarding to see the FIBA Academy and the delegates able to start this initiative so strongly, and it bodes well for the remainder of the program and future hub events. We are dedicated to ensuring the FIBA NXT Leaders Program meets its aim of supporting participants with their respective career transitions, as well as supporting National Federations in building capacity and strengthening leadership, one of FIBA's key strategic priorities."
After this successful conclusion of the first hub stop, attention will soon turn to ensuring similarly enjoyable and productive events for participants in Miami, USA, in March, and in Geneva, Switzerland, in August.
However, those on the program will also be working before and during those future stops, with the nine-month course providing approximately 115 hours of learning time, and that will be facilitated via more online engagement across a wide range of other essential sport management areas.
FIBA