MEXICO CITY (Mexico) - In the early 1970s, William Jones, Secretary General of FIBA, and José Claudio Dos Reis, who led Brazilian basketball, began discussions about establishing a permanent office in the region.
The goal was to strengthen the organization and development of basketball in the Americas, while also creating a bridge between National Federations and FIBA’s global structure.
On July 11, 1974, during the FIBA World Cup in Puerto Rico, delegations from North, Central, and South America met for the first time to begin discussing the general principles and statutes of the new entity.
A year later, on the 11th of October 1975, the first Pan American Basketball Confederation (which will then become FIBA Americas) was held at the Olympic Mexican Sport Center in Mexico City.
50th Anniversary Celebration: A Return to the Origins
In October 2025, half a century later, the circle came full as Mexico City hosted the Midterm Assembly and the FIBA Americas Board meeting. FIBA executives and National Federations shaped a new strategic plan focused on the achievements the organization has accomplished since its inception.
To honor this milestone, the President of the Mexican Olympic Committee, María José Alcalá, and the President of the Mexican Basketball Federation, Modesto Robledo, presented to FIBA a very special item.
A basketball certified as a “unique, authentic, and original piece,” created with crystal beads by Studio Menchaca, using Wixárika art. The ball evokes the FIBA logo; five hands of different colours covering the globe, representing the diversity and unity of the world governing body of basketball.
Wixárika or Huichol art is an ancient artistic expression practiced by the Huichol people of the Sierra Madre Occidental. The spiritual origin of this art gives each object a sacred meaning, and the intense colours of the tiny glass beads attached with resin evoke emotions.
This is a work of art that, beyond its beauty, represents the union of sport, culture, and the Mexican national identity. The artwork, displayed at FIBA’s headquarters in Switzerland, symbolizes the closing of a historic cycle and the commitment to continue promoting basketball’s values to the new generations across the American continent.
About the FIBA Foundation
The FIBA Foundation is the social and legacy arm of FIBA that addresses the role of sports, particularly basketball in society, preserving and promoting basketball’s values and its cultural heritage.
FIBA’s cultural heritage is the heart of the FIBA Foundation’s cultural and historical activities. It is one of the driving forces behind the promotion and dissemination of FIBA’s values.
About FIBA Americas
The FIBA Regional Office in the Americas is the governing body for basketball in the region. Among many tasks, this includes promoting, supervising, and directing international competition at the club and national team levels, as well as governing and appointing American international referees.
FIBA Americas is an international federation whose membership comprises 42 National Basketball Federations.