Ricardo Vairo is a long‑standing basketball executive from Uruguay with a career in the governance and development of the sport across the region. He was elected President of the Uruguayan Basketball Federation (FUBB) for the 2016–2020 term, having previously served as the federation's Secretary General, as well as President of the Uruguayan Basketball League for 10 years.
During his presidency, Vairo emphasized strategic planning, national team development, and renewed competitive structures, highlighting the importance of strengthening domestic pathways and ensuring Uruguay could regularly host senior men’s national team games.
In addition to his national leadership, Vairo has been an influential figure in South American basketball governance. In 2023, he was unanimously elected President of FIBA's South American Basketball Confederation (ConsuBasquet) for the 2023–2027 term, further reinforcing his role in shaping the sport’s growth across the continent.
He has additionally held roles within FIBA since 2015, serving on the Competitions Commission's Sub-Commission for Club Competitions and the FIBA Americas Club and League Competitions Committee.
Following the sudden passing of the FIBA Americas President Fabian Borro in February 2026, FIBA's Executive Committee confirmed on February 19, 2026, that the FIBA Americas Presidency will continue through the 2023–2027 term with a consensus candidate from South America, in accordance with applicable regulations, and appointed Mr. Ricardo Vairo, who was the current FIBA Americas Vice-President representing South America, as the new FIBA Americas President and ex officio member of the FIBA Central Board.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and long-term vision, Vairo brings decades of experience as an administrator, strategist, and advocate for basketball development to his new responsibilities within FIBA's Regional Office in the Americas.