MIES (Switzerland) - When USA Global Masters step onto the court in Greece, they will share the joy of not only making basketball history at the inaugural event, but also doing so at more than 70 years old and as a brotherhood bonded together by the sport.
Drawn from right across the USA, this is a team of 11 competitors who are united not by geography, but by friendship, commitment, and a lifelong relationship with basketball. Founded in 2019, the USA Global Masters players live in Florida, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, South Carolina, Montana, and Connecticut. Many of them previously crossing paths over the years at various other Masters tournaments, first as opponents, then as friends, before deciding to come together as one team.
We are a group of lifelong players who feel lucky to still be on the basketball court... Friendship really formed the team.
The identity of USA Global Masters has been shaped gradually and while the roster continues to evolve slightly each season as new teammates arrive and others move on, the core remains strong. Friendship is at the heart of the group, with trust and camaraderie turning individual competitive paths into a shared journey. For them and their teammates, Masters basketball, is more than a format. It is a gathering of players who never let go of the game they grew up with and still love deeply. It gives them a chance to show why the game still matters and how at 70 years old, basketball remains central to daily life. The sport provides motivation, structure, and purpose. Training has a meaning when there is a tournament on the horizon, and competition remains a powerful incentive to stay active and prepared. "We are a group of lifelong players who feel lucky to still be on the basketball court," explained team representatives Mark David and Julio Davila.
"Friendship really formed the team. Meanwhile, knowing you have a tournament coming up gives you a good reason to stay fit and keep moving," they added. And on the topic of moving, the FIBA Masters Open 2026 provides the chance to combine basketball with traveling and discovering new places together.
This combination of competition and destination also played a key role, with Greece and the Corinth region in particular standing out as a place that could deliver both basketball intensity and memories - as well as an unforgettable overall experience. Some players have visited the country before, others will discover it for the first time. Families will be part of the journey, with about half of the players traveling with relatives. Notably, the team includes a diverse mix of personalities.
There is so much potential in bringing together the worldwide presence of FIBA and the growing Masters community.
Some ballers are highly social, drawn to shared moments and gatherings, while others prefer exploring new places and historical sites. The belief is that the maiden event will offer space for both, creating a balanced and enjoyable week for everyone. But this is no sightseeing trip with a dish of basketball on the side. Sure, the team is excited by the social and cultural aspects, but it is their competition and ambition on the court that really jump out.
Furthermore, the involvement of FIBA also carried strong meaning. The global presence, credibility, and long term commitment to basketball development made the event stand out immediately. "Being part of the inaugural Masters event organized by FIBA felt like a great opportunity," continued David and Davila. "It sounded like something with real potential for the future of Masters basketball. We are very much approaching this event from a competitive viewpoint. We will enjoy the experience, but we are focused on winning," they insisted.
USA Global Masters also stands for teamwork, training, commitment, and fellowship. The players come from different backgrounds and professions, including a mayor, a doctor, a lawyer, auctioneers, and even amateur comedians. What unites them is a sense of brotherhood built over years of shared effort and respect. Many members are also involved in community or charitable work in their home States, often connected to youth sports and local initiatives. That sense of giving back mirrors the spirit of Masters basketball itself and their message to other teams around the world is simple and genuine. "Come be part of the beginning of a new chapter of Masters basketball," they declared. "There is so much potential in bringing together the worldwide presence of FIBA and the growing Masters community." For the USA Global Masters, the journey to Greece is about continuing a story. One that began many decades ago and shows no sign of ending, with plenty more beautiful basketball chapters still to be written - both on and off the court. FIBA