MIES (Switzerland) - FIBA's Executive Committee convened for the first time this year, meeting just ahead of the tip-off for the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers taking place next week. The meeting opened with a moment of silence in memory of FIBA Americas President Fabian Borro, who passed away suddenly last week, honoring his legacy and contributions to the sport.
FIBA Basketball World Cup – 2026 and 2027
FIBA's Executive Committee received an update on the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, which will be hosted across four locations: Istanbul, Türkiye; Lyon-Villeurbanne, France; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Wuhan, China. With the tournament’s new format featuring 24 teams, there will be more games, more excitement, and more opportunities for fans to cheer on their national team from March 11 to 17.
A report was also received on the ongoing preparations for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026, which highlighted FIBA's recent participation at the SPOBIS Conference in Germany and the launch of the 'Berlin Awaits' campaign for the women's flagship event. A key highlight of the report was that 65% of the tickets for the final weekend in Berlin have already been sold.
An update on preparations for the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers was also received. Following a thrilling opening window, the 'Road to Qatar' continues on February 27 as the second round of Qualifiers tips off across the globe, featuring 76 scheduled games involving 72 national teams.
Status reports were also received on the ongoing preparations for both the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 and the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
Shape International Club Competitions
The Executive Committee has received an update on the latest positive discussions regarding the launch of a new NBA-FIBA League in Europe.
Other Matters
Following the passing of the FIBA Americas President Fabian Borro, the Executive Committee has approved a request by the Secretary General who has held extensive consultation with the FIBA Americas Executive Committee, the Executive Director Americas and with the board of Consubasquet (South America Sub-Zone). The Executive Committee has confirmed that the FIBA Americas Presidency shall be continued until the end of the 2023-2027 term by a consensus candidate coming from South America according to the applicable regulations, and has confirmed the following positions:
Mr Ricardo Vairo (URU), currently Americas Vice-President representing South America, is the new FIBA Americas President and ex officio member of the FIBA Central Board.
Mr Marcelo Sousa (BRA), currently Americas Board member, is the new Americas Vice-President representing South America.
Mr Iran Arcos (CHI), currently Americas Board member, is the new South America Sub-Zone (Consubasquet) President.
Mr Hanthony Coello (VEN), currently Americas Board member, is the new South America Sub-Zone (Consubasquet) Secretary.
All positions apply until the end of the current term of office in the Americas (2023-2027).
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