Mr. Clutch

Mr. Clutch

Clutch Store

Mostrando las entradas con la etiqueta Lance Stephenson. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando las entradas con la etiqueta Lance Stephenson. Mostrar todas las entradas

miércoles, 3 de mayo de 2023

Basketball News

 


































It's go-time for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour presented by J9

MAY 3, 2023

MANILA (Philippines) - The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour presented by J9 has been launched as part of the Draw Festival and will now see the trophy visit all qualified countries. 

Legendary Argentina star Luis Scola and the Gilas Ambassadors from the 2013/14 Philippines men's basketball team promoted the Trophy on stage at the Festival alongside many exciting fan engagements. Paraded on the 'Trophy Float' through the streets en route to the Araneta Coliseum, it received the VIP red carpet treatment ahead of its handover from the 2019 winning team at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw, presented by Wanda.

The Trophy Tour sees the FIBA Basketball World Cup Naismith Trophy - named in honor of basketball's inventor, Dr James Naismith - embark on a journey across the globe for the second time. It will make stops in 30 nations qualified for the showpiece event before coming back to the host countries, starting with Japan in mid-July, followed by Indonesia, and finally, the Philippines.

The Trophy Tour is presented by J9, a FIBA Global Partner providing world-class gaming experience. J9 aims to bring the excitement of the FIBA Basketball World Cup and to promote basketball globally and will use its portal J9.basketball to bring to fans around the world all the latest news and updates of the Tour, with exclusive content.

"It's an honor for J9 to be the presenter of the Trophy Tour," enthused J9 Managing Director James Chen said.

"We look forward to bringing excitement to fans all around the world and especially to the qualified countries of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023."

Frank Leenders, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services, emphasized the importance of the Trophy Tour and stated: "The Trophy Tour is also an important opportunity to grow even more interest in the tournament and also in basketball more generally worldwide. It increases the excitement for fans and the media, with our presenting partner J9 able to create more visibility and awareness of their own brand."

FIBA has appointed XYZ, an award-winning, independent brand experience agency based in London, to assist with the production and logistics of the Tour.

Click here for more information on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour, presented by J9. 

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

 

#1–IF GAME 5s NECESSARY for BOS/PHI & DEN/PHX

AWAY

HOME

GM

ET

TV

Philadelphia

Boston

5*

7:30PM

TNT

Phoenix

Denver

5*

10:00PM

TNT

 

#2–IF GAME 5 NECESSARY for BOS/PHI

AWAY

HOME

GM

ET

TV

Philadelphia

Boston

5*

8:00PM

TNT

 

#3–IF GAME 5 NECESSARY for DEN/PHX

AWAY

HOME

GM

ET

TV

Phoenix

Denver

5*

8:30PM

TNT

 

 

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

 

#1–IF GAME 5s NECESSARY for NYK/MIA & GSW/LAL

AWAY

HOME

GM

ET

TV

Miami

New York

5

7:30PM

TNT

L.A. Lakers

Golden State

5*

10:00PM

TNT

 

#2–IF GAME 5 NECESSARY for NYK/MIA

AWAY

HOME

GM

ET

TV

Miami

New York

5

8:00PM

TNT

 

 

 

Additional scheduling information will be provided as soon as possible consistent with the need to fulfill league obligations.

 

All games in the Conference Semifinals are exclusive national windows and not available for local telecast.

Icon

Description generated with high confidence

 

GAME 7 OF WARRIORS/KINGS ON ABC DELIVERS MOST-WATCHED FIRST ROUND GAME IN 24 YEARS

 

– Warriors/Kings Game 7 Averages Nearly 10 Million Viewers, ABC’s Largest Audience for a Non-Finals Postseason Game Ever – 

 

– NBA First Round Playoff Games Across ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV are Most Watched in Nine Years –

 

NEW YORK, May 2, 2023 – Game 7 of the Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings series on ABC on Sunday, April 30 averaged 9.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched first round NBA playoff game in 24 years.  The game, which peaked with 11.9 million viewers, is ABC’s largest audience for a non-NBA Finals postseason game ever.

 

Overall, the NBA delivered its most-watched first round in nine years with games across ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV averaging 3.4 million viewers, up 15% vs. last year.  TNT, ABC and ESPN were the most-watched networks in primetime among viewers under 50 on 13 of the 14 nights of first round coverage.

 

TNT delivered its most-watched first round in five years, averaging 3.5 million viewers (up 6% vs. last year).  For Disney platforms (ABC and ESPN), it was the most-watched first round ever with an average of 4.5 million viewers, an 18% increase from last season.

 

The NBA App and @NBA social generated a record 2.6 billion video views during the first round, up 46% vs. 2022.  The NBA App recorded its most active users ever in a single day on Sunday, April 30. 

 

*All linear viewership numbers are per Nielsen


Basketball Africa League Announces Tickets Sales for Playoffs and Finals in Kigali
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) today announced that ticket sales for the 2023 Playoffs and Finals are now open
 
KIGALI, Rwanda, May 2, 2023/ -- Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://theBAL.com/) Playoffs and Finals Scheduled from May 20 – May 27 at BK Arena; Tickets on Sale Now at BAL.NBA.com.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) today announced that ticket sales for the 2023 Playoffs and Finals are now open. The Playoffs and Finals will tip off on Saturday, May 20 at BK Arena in Kigali, and conclude on Saturday, May 27. Fans can purchase tickets at BAL.NBA.com.

The BAL has added a number price points to make it easy for fans to select their seats and locations based on where they want to enjoy the Finals:
  • Upper Bowl seats for as low as 1250 FRW
  • Lower Bowl seats for as low as 12,750 FRW
  • Courtsides seats for as low as 41,250 FRW in the third row
For companies or groups looking to organize a group outing to one or all of the games during the finals, they can email baltickets@thebal.com for more information.

“We are excited to welcome our passionate BAL fans to Kigali for our third consecutive finals,” said BAL Vice President, Head of Strategy and Operations John Manyo-Plange.  “We encourage our fans to purchase tickets and enjoy the excitement of this world-class basketball and entertainment product, as we rollout our most competitive and impactful season yet."

The 12 BAL teams have once again been divided into two conferences – the Sahara Conference and the Nile Conference.  Each conference plays a 15-game group phase during which each team plays the five other teams in its conference once.  The top four teams from the Nile Conference group phase will join Abidjan Basket Club (ABC Fighters; Côte d’Ivoire), AS Douanes (Senegal), Rwanda Energy Group (REG; Rwanda) and Stade Malien (Mali) in the BAL Playoffs, which will feature a single-elimination tournament and Finals at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda in May.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves to go Head-to-Head in National Basketball Association (NBA) Abu Dhabi Games 2023
Tickets for The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 will go on sale at a later date

Access Multimedia Content

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, May 2, 2023/ -- The NBA (www.NBA.com) Abu Dhabi Games 2023 Will Feature the Mavericks and Timberwolves Playing Two Preseason Games on Oct. 5 and 7 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island; Fans Can Visit NBA.com/AbuDhabi to Register Their Interest in Tickets

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) today announced that The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 will feature the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves playing two preseason games on Thursday, Oct. 5 and Saturday, Oct. 7 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.  

Tickets for The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 will go on sale at a later date.  Fans can register their interest in receiving more information by visiting NBA.com/AbuDhabi.  

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 will air live in the UAE and across the Middle East and North

Africa on beIN SPORTS, The Sports Channel and NBA League Pass, and reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media.  The games and surrounding events will be supported by a roster of marketing partners, including Aldar, Experience Abu Dhabi, Gatorade, Nike and Tissot.

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 are part of a multiyear collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi that last year saw the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks play the league’s first games in the Arabian Gulf.  In January, the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi launched an expanded second season of the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, featuring boys’ and girls’ leagues each composed of 450 players ages 11-14 from schools across the UAE capital.  The collaboration also includes a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players, a series of NBA FIT clinics promoting health and wellness, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event.  The collaboration sees DCT Abu Dhabi, under Experience Abu Dhabi, the tourism promotion initiative of the UAE’s capital, serve as the Official Tourism Destination Partner of the NBA in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China.

The Mavericks currently feature four-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA First Team member Luka Dončić as well as 2016 NBA champion and eight-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving. The Timberwolves currently feature three-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Team member Karl-Anthony Towns, three-time NBA All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, and 2023 NBA All-Star Anthony Edwards.

NBA games have aired in the UAE since the 1987-88 season.  Fans can follow the NBA on Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/42jHhCX), Snapchat (https://apo-opa.info/3nisPN0) and Twitter (https://apo-opa.info/41Z2IcO) (@NBAArabic) for the latest updates, news and content in Arabic.  NBA fans in the UAE and across the Middle East can shop online at NBAStoreME.com for the widest selection of authentic NBA products ever available in the region.

Executive Quotes:

H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi:

“We are excited to be preparing for the new season of The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 with the thrilling preseason head-to-head games between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves.  We look forward to welcoming the players, teams, and fans to experience the destination and strengthening our efforts to bring the very best in sporting entertainment and engagement across Abu Dhabi.”

NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director Ralph Rivera:

“Following the success of last year’s games and events that welcomed fans from across the globe to Abu Dhabi, we’re excited to return in the 2023 preseason with two great matchups between the

Mavericks and Timberwolves and some of the best players in the world. Our collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi continues to support the NBA’s goal of introducing basketball and its values to young boys and girls in the UAE and globally, and that will be the case once again through these games and the surrounding activities.

Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall:

“The Dallas Mavericks certainly recognize the importance of globalizing the game of basketball.  For many years, we have enjoyed international players and a growing international fanbase.  We are honored to play the game we love for NBA fans in Abu Dhabi and around the world.  We appreciate all who have worked so hard to create this exciting opportunity for our team and our fans.”

Minnesota Timberwolves CEO Ethan Casson:

“As the NBA continues its global expansion, the Minnesota Timberwolves are honored to be selected for The NBA Abu Dhabi Games.  Thank you to the NBA and the host city of Abu Dhabi for allowing us the opportunity to bring fans together through the game of basketball.”

NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 Video (Credit: NBA)https://apo-opa.info/44zHofZ
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

DALLAS MAVERICKS AND MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES TO GO HEAD-TO-HEAD IN NBA ABU DHABI GAMES 2023

 

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 Will Feature the Mavericks and Timberwolves Playing Two Preseason Games on Oct. 5 and 7 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island -

 

Fans Can Visit NBA.com/AbuDhabi to Register Their Interest in Tickets -

 

LONDON AND ABU DHABI, May 2, 2023 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) today announced that The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 will feature the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves playing two preseason games on Thursday, Oct. 5 and Saturday, Oct. 7 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. 

 

Tickets for The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 will go on sale at a later date.  Fans can register their interest in receiving more information by visiting NBA.com/AbuDhabi

 

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 will air live in the UAE and across the Middle East and North Africa on beIN SPORTS, The Sports Channel and NBA League Pass, and reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media.  The games and surrounding events will be supported by a roster of marketing partners, including Aldar, Experience Abu Dhabi, Gatorade, Nike and Tissot.

 

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 are part of a multiyear collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi that last year saw the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks play the league’s first games in the Arabian Gulf.  In January, the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi launched an expanded second season of the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, featuring boys’ and girls’ leagues each composed of 450 players ages 11-14 from schools across the UAE capital.  The collaboration also includes a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players, a series of NBA FIT clinics promoting health and wellness, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event.  The collaboration sees DCT Abu Dhabi, under Experience Abu Dhabi, the tourism promotion initiative of the UAE’s capital, serve as the Official Tourism Destination Partner of the NBA in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China.

 

The Mavericks currently feature four-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA First Team member Luka Dončić as well as 2016 NBA champion and eight-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving. The Timberwolves currently feature three-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Team member Karl-Anthony Towns, three-time NBA All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, and 2023 NBA All-Star Anthony Edwards.

 

NBA games have aired in the UAE since the 1987-88 season.  Fans can follow the NBA on InstagramSnapchat and Twitter (@NBAArabic) for the latest updates, news and content in Arabic.  NBA fans in the UAE and across the Middle East can shop online at NBAStoreME.com for the widest selection of authentic NBA products ever available in the region.

 

 

Executive Quotes:

 

H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi:

“We are excited to be preparing for the new season of The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 with the thrilling preseason head-to-head games between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves.  We look forward to welcoming the players, teams, and fans to experience the destination and strengthening our efforts to bring the very best in sporting entertainment and engagement across Abu Dhabi.”

 

NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director Ralph Rivera:

“Following the success of last year’s games and events that welcomed fans from across the globe to Abu Dhabi, we’re excited to return in the 2023 preseason with two great matchups between the Mavericks and Timberwolves and some of the best players in the world.  Our collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi continues to support the NBA’s goal of introducing basketball and its values to young boys and girls in the UAE and globally, and that will be the case once again through these games and the surrounding activities.

 

Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall:

“The Dallas Mavericks certainly recognize the importance of globalizing the game of basketball.  For many years, we have enjoyed international players and a growing international fanbase.  We are honored to play the game we love for NBA fans in Abu Dhabi and around the world.  We appreciate all who have worked so hard to create this exciting opportunity for our team and our fans.”

 

Minnesota Timberwolves CEO Ethan Casson:

“As the NBA continues its global expansion, the Minnesota Timberwolves are honored to be selected for The NBA Abu Dhabi Games.  Thank you to the NBA and the host city of Abu Dhabi for allowing us the opportunity to bring fans together through the game of basketball.”

 

 

About The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fueling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, tourism and creative industries.

 

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about DCT Abu Dhabi and the destination, visit tcaabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae.

 

About the NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  Built around five professional sports leagues:  the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2022-23 season featured 120 international players from 41 countries.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team and player platforms.  Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.


Lineups for FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments confirmed

MAY 1, 2023

MANILA (Philippines) - The draw of the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments has been completed, meaning all 40 participating countries have their initial pathway toward Paris 2024 laid out. 

Offering an opportunity for those nations not playing at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, the winners of each FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments will line up at one of next July's FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, with the winners of those clinching spots for Paris 2024.

The FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments will be played August 12-20 in dedicated host countries.

The draw for the tournaments were made with seeding pots based on the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike. The outcome of the draw was as follows:

Africa
  • Group Phase and Final Phase: Lagos, Nigeria 
Americas
  • Group Phase and Final Phase: Argentina (city to be confirmed)
Asia
  • The host of the tournament in Asia will be confirmed at a later date
Europe 
  • 1st tournament, Group Phase and Final Phase: Istanbul, Turkey
  • 2nd tournament: Poland and Estonia
    • Group Phase: Gliwice (POL) and Tallinn (EST)
    • Final Phase: Gliwice (POL)
Nile Conference Recap - April 30
Five players scored in double digits and Angola’s Petro de Luanda beat South Africa’s Cape Town Tigers 87-48
 
CAIRO, Egypt, May 1, 2023/ -- Seydou Legacy Athlétique Club (S.L.A.C) – CFV-Beira 97-109
Will Perry scored 41 points and dished out seven assists and Mozambique’s CFV Beira defeated Guinea’s S.L.A.C 109-97 in their third game of the competition. Perry’s 41 points tied for the most points scored in a single game in the BAL (www.BAL.NBA.com). Najeal Young added 26 points and five rebounds for Mozambique’s champion who will face the Cape Town Tigers on May 3.
 
Meanwhile, S.L.A.C was led by UC Iroegbu (Nigeria) who finished with 29 points, seven rebounds and five assists. S.L.A.C’s next game is this afternoon when they face Uganda’s City Oilers.
 
Petro de Luanda – Cape Town Tigers 87-48
Five players scored in double digits and Angola’s Petro de Luanda beat South Africa’s Cape Town Tigers 87-48. Petro led from the opening minutes with Childe Dundao, Lukeny Goncalves, Jone Pedro, Gofate Buiamba, Damian Hollis leading the charge. The Tigers were led by former NBA player Josh Hall (14 points) and Zaire Wade (nine points).  
 
Petro will play S.L.A.C on May 3, while the Tigers will take on Egypt’s Al Ahly this evening.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Download images below:
Please credit BAL/Getty Images 
https://apo-opa.info/429gppk
https://apo-opa.info/3LIZWmo
  • BAL Nile Conference postgame availability – SLAC v CFV-Beira – Cairo, Egypt, April 30, 2023.
    SLAC Head Coach Zeljko Zěcěvic and UC Iroegbu #1; CFV-Beira Head Coach Luis Hernandez and Makhtar Gueye #7
    Postgame Press Conference: SLAC v CFV-BEIRA (https://apo-opa.info/44eMJZQ) 
  • BAL Nile Conference postgame availability – Petro de Luanda v Cape Town Tigers – Cairo, Egypt, April 30, 2023.
    Cape Town Tigers Head Coach Rasheed Hazzard and Josh Hall #5; Petro de Luanda Head Coach José Neto and Jone Pedro #7
    Postgame Press Conference: PDL v CT Tigers (https://apo-opa.info/3AIYOJc)
SOURCE
Basketball Africa League (BAL)

MEMPHIS’ DILLON BROOKS FINED

 

 

NEW YORK, April 30, 2023 – Memphis Grizzlies forward/guard Dillon Brooks has been fined $25,000 for violating league rules governing media interview access, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.

 

The fine results from Brooks’ failure to participate in team postgame media availability during the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.


FIBA Central Board concludes in Manila with World Cup Draw confirmed

APRIL 30, 2023

MANILA (Philippines) - The FIBA Central Board meeting took place over two days in the Philippines capital of Manila, one of the co-hosts for this year's FIBA Basketball World Cup. The meeting also coincided with the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw, presented by Wanda, which was held at the Araneta Coliseum. The Central Board was also invited to meet with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. of the Philippines.

Highlighting the meeting were the decisions of the Central Board to award the hosting rights of the
 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 to the German Basketball Federation and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 to the Qatar Basketball Federation.

The following key topics were also discussed:

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023

The Central Board received status updates on the ongoing preparation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, which included the change of venue for the Final Phase and the Opening Round games in Manila, along with all the activities that occurred over the weekend for the official Draw of the flagship event. Draw results for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 can be found here.

FIBA U19 Basketball World Cups 2023
Reports were received on the ongoing preparations for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2023 to be played in Hungary and the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 to take place in Spain, with this year's edition of the U19 Women's World Cup premiering the newly approved glass flooring court.

Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Following the decision to award five host countries for this summer's FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments, the Central Board has granted automatic qualification to the French women's and men's national teams for the Olympic Basketball Tournaments of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

For 3x3, the top-ranked French team between women and men will receive automatic qualification to Paris 2024.


FIBA Women's Continental Cups 2023
Status updates were received on the preparations for this year's Women's Continental Cups, including the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023, FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023, FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2023 and the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2023. These events will qualify teams to the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments as well as to the newly created FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifiers that will be played for the first time with 16 teams in the summer of 2024.

FIBA Continental Cups 2025 Qualifiers
The Central Board has confirmed that the games of Window 1 and Window 2 of the FIBA Continental Cups 2025 Qualifiers will be, as was the case also after the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, merged and played in February 2024.

3x3
After awarding the first Universality FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament to Israel, a status report on the current 3x3 season was presented, with the first event for the year, the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023, recently taking place in March. Tipping off in May, the upcoming FIBA 3x3 Women's Series will break records once again, visiting more than 20 different cities.

Other Matters
The Central Board has approved the FIBA audited and consolidated financial report 2022.

The Central Board has taken note with satisfaction that the mortgage loan on the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball has been fully reimbursed in November 2022.

In a historic victory becoming the first international expansion NBA 2K League team to win a tournament, DUX Infinitos - who joined in 2022 and represents Mexico City - bested T-Wolves Gaming 3-2 in a five-game series to win the Coinbase NBA 2KL 3v3 SWITCH OPEN.  DUX Infinitos defeated Pacers Gaming, Lakers Gaming and Celtics Crossover Gaming on their way to the top prize of $60,000 from the overall $150,000 SWITCH OPEN prize pool.

 

Power forward Ashton “LowkeyGodlike” Agredano was named the SWITCH OPEN tournament MVP after averaging 8.2 points and 1.8 rebounds across the first-to-21 points championship series.  Trailblazers of the path-to-pro by way of 3v3 Community Teams, Agredano and DUX Infinitos head coach Scott “Juice” Hastings were members of Rim Runners in 2022.

 

Game 1: T-Wolves Gaming 21 – DUX Infinitos 15

 

Game 2: DUX Infinitos 23 – T-Wolves Gaming 18

 

Game 3: T-Wolves Gaming 22 – DUX Infinitos 20

 

Game 4: DUX Infinitos 22 – T-Wolves Gaming 19

 

Game 5: DUX Infinitos 22 – T-Wolves Gaming 19

 

The Coinbase NBA 2KL 3v3 SWITCH OPEN consisted of all 25 NBA 2K League teams and 16 Community Teams that earned a spot through the tournament’s qualifying events or selected by the league. The SWITCH OPEN tournament stages included:

  • April 4 – 7 SWITCH OPEN Group Play (Remote)
  • April 10 – SWITCH OPEN Closed Qualifying Event (Remote)
  • April 11 – 14 SWITCH OPEN Group Play (Remote)
  • April 18 – 21 SWITCH OPEN Bracket Play (Remote)
  • April 26 – 29 SWITCH OPEN Bracket Play (District E, Washington, D.C.)

 

2023 competition continues May 5 – 6 with the Coinbase NBA 2KL 3v3 STEAL OPEN followed by the NBA 2K League 3v3 Playoffs May 10 – 13.

 

For the latest news and updates on the NBA 2K League, fans can sign up to receive emails at NBA2KLeague.com and follow the NBA 2K League on Twitter (NBA2KLeague), Instagram (nba2kleague), Facebook (NBA 2K League), TikTok (nba2kleague), Twitch (NBA2KLeague) and YouTube (NBA 2K League).

 

 TIES BROKEN FOR ORDER OF SELECTION IN NBA DRAFT 2023 PRESENTED BY STATE FARM

 

NEW YORK, April 17, 2023 – Six ties among teams with identical regular-season records were broken today through random drawings to determine the order of selection for NBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm.

 

The drawings were conducted by NBA Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars at the NBA office in Secaucus, New Jersey. The tiebreaker process was overseen by Marie Dhimmar, a partner from the accounting firm of Ernst & Young.

 

The results of the drawings:

 

  • The Houston Rockets (22-60) won a tiebreaker with the San Antonio Spurs.
  • The Indiana Pacers (35-47) won a tiebreaker with the Washington Wizards.
  • The Chicago Bulls (40-42) won a tiebreaker with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • The Miami Heat (44-38) won a tiebreaker with the Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers. Second and third place in the tiebreaker drawings went to Golden State and the LA Clippers, respectively.
  • The Phoenix Suns (45-37) won a tiebreaker with the Brooklyn Nets.
  • The Memphis Grizzlies (51-31) won a tiebreaker with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

 

NBA Draft Lottery 2023 presented by State Farm will be held on Tuesday, May 16 and air live on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET. NBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm will take place on Thursday, June 22.

 

Below is the order of selection for NBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm and the probability of being awarded the first overall draft pick for teams in NBA Draft Lottery 2023 presented by State Farm.


 

2023 FIRST ROUND

 

Drawings will be conducted at NBA Draft Lottery 2023 presented by State Farm to determine the first four picks in NBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm. The remainder of the Lottery teams will select in positions 5 through 14 in inverse order of their records in 2022-23 regular-season games. The teams entered in the NBA Draft Lottery and their probability of winning the Lottery are as follows:

TEAM

RECORD

WIN%

LOTTERY PROBABILITY

Detroit

17-65

.207

14.0%

Houston

22-60

.268

14.0%

San Antonio

22-60

.268

14.0%

Charlotte

27-55

.329

12.5%

Portland

33-49

.402

10.5%

Orlando

34-48

.415

9.0%

Indiana

35-47

.427

6.8%

Washington

35-47

.427

6.7%

Utah

37-45

.451

4.5%

Dallas1

38-44

.463

3.0%

Chicago2

40-42

.488

1.8%

Oklahoma City

40-42

.488

1.7%

Toronto

41-41

.500

1.0%

New Orleans

42-40

.512

0.5%

 

The order for the remainder of the first round picks is as follows:

 

       

TEAM

RECORD

WIN%

15.

Atlanta

41-41

.500

16.

Minnesota (to Utah)

42-40

.512

17.

Los Angeles Lakers

43-39

.524

18.

Miami

44-38

.537

19.

Golden State

44-38

.537

20.

LA Clippers (to Houston)

44-38

.537

21.

Phoenix (to Brooklyn)

45-37

.549

22.

Brooklyn

45-37

.549

23.

New York (to Portland)

47-35

.573

24.

Sacramento

48-34

.585

25.

Memphis

51-31

.622

26.

Cleveland (to Indiana)

51-31

.622

27.

Denver (to Charlotte via New York and Oklahoma City)

53-29

.646

28.

Philadelphia (to Utah via Brooklyn)

54-28

.659

29.

Boston (to Indiana)

57-25

.695

30.

Milwaukee (to the LA Clippers via Houston)

58-24

.707

 

1 This pick may be conveyed to New York

2 This pick may be conveyed to Orlando

 

 

2023 SECOND ROUND DRAFT CHOICE ORDER

 

31.

Detroit

32/33.

San Antonio

32/33.

Houston3

34.

Charlotte (to Charlotte via Philadelphia and Atlanta)

35.

Portland4

36.

Orlando

37/38.

Washington (to Oklahoma City via New Orleans)

37/38.

Indiana (to Sacramento)

39.

Utah (to Charlotte via New York)

40.

Dallas (to Denver via Oklahoma City)

41/42.

Oklahoma City (to Charlotte via New York and Boston)

41/42.

Chicago (to Washington via the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington)

43.

Atlanta (to Portland)

44.

Toronto (to San Antonio)

45.

Minnesota (to Memphis)

46.

New Orleans (to Atlanta)

47.

Los Angeles Lakers

48.

LA Clippers

49.

Golden State (to Cleveland via Utah and New Orleans)

50.

Miami5

51.

Brooklyn

52.

Phoenix

53.

New York (to Minnesota via Charlotte)

54.

Sacramento

55.

Cleveland (to Indiana via Milwaukee and Detroit)

56.

Memphis

---

Denver (to Chicago via Cleveland; forfeited by Chicago)

---

Philadelphia (forfeited)

57.

Boston (to Washington via Charlotte)

58.

Milwaukee

 

3 This pick will be conveyed to (a) Boston via Memphis, or (b) Indiana

4 This pick will be conveyed to (a) Boston via Atlanta, the LA Clippers, Detroit, and Cleveland, or (b) Oklahoma City via Boston, Atlanta, the LA Clippers, Detroit, and Cleveland

5 This pick will be conveyed to (a) Indiana via Houston, Memphis, and Dallas, or (b) Oklahoma City via Boston, Memphis, and Dallas


Road to Paris 2024 still open for 40 teams missing out on FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023

APRIL 18, 2023

MIES (Switzerland) - Coming up short of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 has not dashed the hopes of many players still dreaming of competing at the 2024 Olympics in France.

The road to Paris is still open for 40 countries thanks to the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments being introduced this year.

The FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments field will be comprised of the 28 countries that participated in the Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifiers and did not qualify for the 32-team World Cup to be staged this summer in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.

Great Britain did not register for the event. They are replaced by Croatia, the best-ranked European team that did not participate in the Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifiers.

The other 12 countries entering the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments will be among the highest-ranked national teams that did not qualify for the Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifiers.

The first 11 teams are Mali for Africa; Chile, Cuba and Virgin Islands for Americas; Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Korea and Syria for Asia; and North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal for Europe as winners in each of their respective groups of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers.

The 12th team is the best-ranked European team that did not qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Following the IOC recommendations on the participation of athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport in international competitions published on 28 March, the FIBA Executive Committee has decided to not allow the registration of the Russian men’s national team in the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments 2023. Bulgaria, as the next-best-ranked European team, will be the final team to participate to the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments.

Breakdown by region:

Africa: Cameroon, Congo DR, Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia and UgandaAmericas: Argentina, Bahamas, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Panama, Uruguay and Virgin IslandsAsia: Bahrain, Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Korea, Saudi Arabia and SyriaEurope: Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

The Host selection for these tournaments will take place at the upcoming Central Board meeting on 28-29 April, and the Draw of the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments will take place on 1 May 2023.

The FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments will be held from August 12-20, 2023, with the five winners earning spots in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments to be held in 2024.

GOLDEN STATE’S DRAYMOND GREEN SUSPENDED

 

NEW YORK, April 18, 2023 – Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been suspended one game without pay for stepping on the chest of Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. The suspension was based in part on Green’s history of unsportsmanlike acts.

 

Green’s actions were in response to Sabonis grabbing and holding Green’s right ankle after falling to the floor. Green received a Flagrant Foul 2 and was ejected, and Sabonis was assessed a technical foul.

 

The incident occurred with 7:03 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Warriors’ 114-106 loss to the Kings in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on April 17 at Golden 1 Center.

 

Green will serve his suspension April 20 when the Warriors host the Kings for Game 3 of the series at Chase Center.

 

To view the incident, click on the following link: https://www.nba.com/watch/video/warriors-vs-kings-4-17-2023


Saweetie, Luis Scola to headline FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw presented by Wanda, in Manila

APRIL 20, 2023

MANILA (Philippines) - Excitement is building up for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw presented by Wanda, in Manila, Philippines on April 29 when all 32 participating nations will find out their opponents for the event.

The event for the prestigious tournament which for the first time will be co-hosted by three nations in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, will take place at 19:30 local time at the Araneta Coliseum. 

Argentina legend and FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Global Ambassador, Luis Scola, will be on stage to assist with the draw. Scola is the second all-time top scorer in the competition, having appeared in five editions, with his 41 appearances the joint-highest in history. He will line up alongside the iconic Dirk Nowitzki, Central Board Member and Chair of the FIBA Players' Commission. 

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw presented by Wanda will see performances from global hip-hop artist Saweetie and Filipino favorites, Sarah Geronimo and Billy Crawford.

Saweetie is a California-based multi-hyphenate artist, actress, philanthropist and entrepreneur. The multi-platinum award winning rapper is widely recognized for her catchy melodies and dynamic rhymes. She grew up in the veritable melting pot of the Bay Area but also traces her roots to the Philippines by way of her mother, where she will be performing for the first time.

Geronimo is a singer, performer, and actress who has attained an array of accolades for her work, including a FAMAS Golden Artist Award and a World Music Award. She is also considered one of the most influential celebrities and influencers in Asia. 

Billy Crawford is a Filipino-American singer, songwriter, actor, and TV host known for his smooth R&B and pop music style. He has released several albums and hosted various TV shows in the Philippines and abroad.

Also in attendance for the event will be the Local Ambassadors of each respective host nation: Catriona Gray and LA Tenorio from the Philippines, Takehiko Orimo from Japan, and Raffi Ahmad from Indonesia.

Catriona Gray is a Filipino-Australian beauty queen, singer, and model, who won Miss Universe 2018. LA Tenorio is a former member of the Philippines national team.

Takehiko Orimo is a legend in Japan basketball and played in two previous World Cups including in 2006 when the competition was last hosted in Japan.

Raffi Ahmad is an Indonesian actor, presenter, and singer, best known for his work in the Indonesian entertainment industry.

In addition to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw presented by Wanda being available live and in full on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Website, on the FIBA YouTube channel, and official streaming service Courtside 1891, it will be broadcasted live by many of FIBA’s official broadcast partners across the world on both television and digital services.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw presented by Wanda will be a major primetime television event in the Philippines on ONE Sports. Meanwhile, in Japan there will be coverage of the event by TV Asahi and Nippon TV along with a live stream via DAZN. For fans in Indonesia, the Draw will be broadcast on MNC Sports. 

The draw will sort the 32 qualified teams into eight groups of four teams each. The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw Principles will be published before the event. 

On Saturday, 29 April, there will be a Draw Festival in Uptown BGC open to the public and will feature performances from popular local acts headlined by Ben & Ben. The Draw Festival will include the launch of the official FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Molten Official Game Ball as well as the launch of the Official Licensing collections that will be taking place on stage with a fashion show. The Trophy Tour presented by J9 will also be tipping off in Manila after the Draw and fans will have the opportunity to see the Naismith Trophy on display at the Draw Festival.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw Principles explained

APRIL 21, 2023

MANILA (Philippines) - The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw presented by Wanda will take place on 29 April in Manila, Philippines and will be carried out according to specific draw principles.

Scheduled at 19:30 local time (GMT +8) at the Araneta Coliseum, the draw for the flagship event will see the 32 participating nations finding out how exciting their path is going to be.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw Principles will be based on the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike, and on geographical principles. The Philippines and Japan, as host nations, will play at home in one of the groups hosted in their country.

The three hosts of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 have selected a preferred team based on commercial reasons. USA will play in the Philippines, Slovenia will travel to Japan and Canada will land in Indonesia.

What are the Draw Seedings?

The 32 teams have been placed into 8 pots, each containing four nations. Philippines, as host of the Group and Final Phase, is placed in pot 1. All other teams are placed in their respective pot based on their position in the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike:

Seed 1 - Philippines, Spain, USA, Australia
Seed 2 - France, Serbia, Slovenia, Lithuania
Seed 3 - Greece, Italy, Germany, Brazil
Seed 4 - Canada, Venezuela, Montenegro, Puerto Rico
Seed 5 - Iran, Dominican Republic, Finland, New Zealand
Seed 6 - China, Latvia, Mexico, Georgia
Seed 7 - Jordan, Japan, Angola, Cote d'Ivoire
Seed 8 - Lebanon, Egypt, South Sudan, Cape Verde

How will the Draw be carried out?

The following video explains the complete FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw Principles:

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw presented by Wanda will be available live and in full on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Website, on the FIBA YouTube channel, and official streaming service Courtside 1891, it will be broadcasted live by many of FIBA’s official broadcast partners across the world on both television and digital services.

For more information about the activities, the VIPs and details regarding the event, please check this Press Release.

Basketball Africa League Unveils Nile Conference Rosters Ahead of Group Phase Tip-Off on April 26 in Cairo
The 12 BAL teams have once again been divided into two conferences – the Sahara Conference and the Nile Conference
 
CAIRO, Egypt, April 24, 2023/ -- Conference Opener Will Feature Egypt’s Al Ahly Making BAL (www.BAL.NBA.com) Debut Against Mozambique’s CFV - Beira at Hassan Mostafa Indoor Sports Complex on Wednesday, April 26 at 12 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CAT; Tickets for Nile Conference Games on Sale Now at www.BAL.NBA.com

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) today announced the rosters of the six teams (https://apo-opa.info/3Lr4YUq) that will compete in the league’s Nile Conference group phase from April 26 - May 6 at Hassan Mostafa Indoor Sports Complex in Cairo, Egypt.   

The six teams – Al Ahly (Egypt), Cape Town Tigers (South Africa), City Oilers (Uganda), Club Atlético Petróleos de Luanda (Petro de Luanda; Angola), Clube Ferroviário da Beira (CFV - Beira; Mozambique) and Seydou Legacy Athlétique Club (S.L.A.C; Guinea) – collectively feature 78 players from 15 countries across Africa, Oceania, and the U.S., including two former NBA players, nine players with NBA G League experience, 20 former NCAA Division I players, six NBA Academy Africa prospects, and 15 former Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa campers.  Al Ahly and the City Oilers will be making their BAL debut, while the Cape Town Tigers, CFV - Beira and S.L.A.C are returning for the second consecutive season.  2022 runner-up Petro de Luanda has participated in all three BAL seasons.

In the conference opener, Al Ahly will take on CFV - Beira at 12 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CAT on Canal+, ESPN, NBA TV, Visionary TV, Voice of America (VOA) and select free-to-air channels across the continent. The game will also livestream on the NBA App (https://apo-opa.info/3leQJYr)www.NBA.com and www.BAL.NBA.com.  Fans can view the complete Nile Conference game schedule and purchase tickets at www.BAL.NBA.com.

The 12 BAL teams have once again been divided into two conferences – the Sahara Conference and the Nile Conference.  Each conference plays a 15-game group phase during which each team plays the five other teams in its conference once. The top four teams from the Nile Conference group phase will join Abidjan Basket Club (ABC Fighters; Côte d’Ivoire), AS Douanes (Senegal), Rwanda Energy Group (REG; Rwanda) and Stade Malien (Mali) in the BAL Playoffs, which will feature a single-elimination tournament and Finals at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda in May.

Below please find select BAL Nile Conference player and coach storylines:
  • Josh Hall (Cape Town Tigers) played 21 games for the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2020-21 NBA season.
  • Michael Gbinije (Cape Town Tigers) was the No. 49 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons and played in nine games for the Pistons during the 2016-2017 season.  He won the 2015 FIBA AfroBasket Championship as a member of the Nigeria Men’s National Team.
  • Ater Majok (Petro de Luanda) was the No. 58 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.  Majok, who won the 2022 BAL Finals and Dikembe Mutombo Defensive Player of the Year Award as a member of US Monastir, is competing in his third BAL season.
  • In addition to signing Majok, Petro de Luanda signed 2022 BAL champion Souleymane Diabate.   Majok and Diabate join 2022 All-BAL First Team member Carlos Morais and 2022 All-BAL Defensive Team members Childe Dundão and Abou Gakou.  A number of Petro de Luanda players previously represented their respective national teams in FIBA Basketball World Cup tournaments, including Diabate (Côte d’Ivoire; 2010 and 2019) and Dundão (Angola; 2017 FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup).
  • Petro de Luanda shooting guard Carlos Morais is one of the most accomplished players in the history of Angolan basketball.  He is an eight-time Angolan League champion, a three-time Angolan Cup winner, and represented Angola in three FIBA Basketball World Cups (2006, 2010, 2019) and at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  He was also named Most Valuable Player of the 2012 FIBA Africa Champions Cup.  Morais played in three preseason games with the Toronto Raptors in 2013.
  • Former New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and NBA G League Ignite assistant coach Rasheed Hazzard will serve as head coach of the Cape Town Tigers.  Hazzard was also an assistant coach for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers when they won the 2021-22 G League Championship.  He will coach alongside South Africa’s Flosh Ngwenya, who led the team during the Road to the BAL qualifiers last November.
  • Tigers guard Zaire Wade most recently played for the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League.  Zaire is the son of three-time NBA champion and 2023 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Dwyane Wade.  
  • Al Ahly forward Anunwa “Nuni” Omot made history with the South Sudan National Team when the team qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time earlier this year.  He was South Sudan’s leading scorer throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign.
  • Six Al Ahly players were part of the Egypt National Team that qualified for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.  In addition, Al Ahly guard Amr Gendy represented Egypt in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and guard Corey Webster represented his native New Zealand in two FIBA Basketball World Cups (2014 and 2019).
  • NBA Academy Africa prospect Dramane Camara, who is playing for Al Ahly as part of the BAL Elevate program, recently committed to DePaul University and is set to join the Blue Demons ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Below are the nine former NBA G League players competing in the Nile Conference group phase

Team
 

Player
 

Country
 

Last G League Team
 

Al Ahly
 
Anunwa Omot
 
South Sudan
 
Lakeland Magic
 
CFV - Beira
 
Najeal Young
 
U.S.
 
Santa Cruz Warriors
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Josh Hall
 
U.S.
 
Grand Rapids Gold
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Michael Gbinije
 
U.S. / Nigeria
 
Oklahoma City Blue
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Zaire Wade
 
U.S.
 
Salt Lake City Stars
 
Petro de Luanda
 
Ater Majok
 
South Sudan
 
South Bay Lakers
 
S.L.A.C
 
Uchenna Iroegbu
 
U.S. / Nigeria
 
Stockton Kings
 
S.L.A.C
 
Sedrick Barefield
 
U.S.
 
Oklahoma City Blue
 
S.L.A.C
 
Dane Miller Jr.
 
U.S.
 
Oklahoma City Blue
 
Below are the 20 former NCAA Division I players competing in the Nile Conference group phase:

Team
 

Player
 

Country
 

Last NCAA College/University
 

Al Ahly
 
Anunwa Omot
 
South Sudan
 
Baylor University
 
Al Ahly
 
Omar Araby
 
Egypt
 
University of Southern California
 
Al Ahly
 
Michael Thompson
 
U.S.
 
Northwestern University
 
City Oilers
 
James Edward Justice Jr.
 
U.S.
 
University of Tennessee
 
City Oilers
 
Falando Cortez Jones
 
U.S.
 
Mississippi Valley State University
 
City Oilers
 
Germaine Vashon Roebuck Jr.
 
U.S.
 
Judson University
 
City Oilers
 
Ngor William Barnaba
 
South Sudan
 
Talladega College
 
CFV - Beira
 
Makhtar Gueye
 
Senegal
 
University of Alabama, Birmingham
 
CFV - Beira
 
William Perry
 
U.S.
 
Lenoir-Ryhne University
 
CFV - Beira
 
Bourama Sidibe
 
Mali
 
Syracuse University
 
CFV - Beira
 
Najeal Young
 
U.S.
 
University of Illinois
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Evans Ganapamo
 
Central African Republic
 
Prairie View A&M
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Samekelo Cele
 
South Africa
 
University of Science and Arts, Oklahoma
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Michael Gbinije
 
U.S. / Nigeria
 
Duke University and Syracuse University
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Pieter Prinsloo
 
South Africa
 
Marist College
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Dylan Whitbread
 
South Africa
 
Colgate University
 
Petro de Luanda
 
Ater Majok
 
South Sudan
 
University of Connecticut
 
Petro de Luanda
 
Damian Hollis
 
U.S.
 
George Washington University
 
S.L.A.C
 
Sedric Barefield
 
U.S.
 
University of Utah
 
S.L.A.C
 
Uchenna Iroegbu
 
U.S. / Nigeria
 
Stony Brook University
 
Below are the six NBA Academy Africa prospects competing in the Nile Conference group phase:

Team
 

Player
 

Hometown/Country
 

Al Ahly
 
Dramane Sayon Camara
 
Bamako, Mali
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Parby Kabamba Musongela
 
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
 
City Oilers
 
Segun Ezekiel Obe
 
Ikeja, Nigeria
 
CFV - Beira
 
Paul Kabenga Mbiya
 
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
 
Petro de Luanda
 
Seifeldin Hendaway
 
Cairo, Egypt
 
S.L.A.C
 
Mabilmawut Kon Mabil
 
Juba City, South Sudan
 
Below are the 15 former BWB Africa campers competing in the Nile Conference group phase:

Team
 
Player
 
Country
 
BWB Camp(s)
 
Al Ahly
 
Amro Sherif Mohamed Abdelhalim
 
Egypt
 
BWB Africa 2009
 
Al Ahly
 
Omar Oraby
 
Egypt
 
BWB Africa 2008
 
City Oilers
 
Baale Fayed
 
Uganda
 
BWB Africa 2017
 
City Oilers
 
Jimmy Enabu
 
Uganda
 
BWB Africa 2007
 
CFV - Beira
 
Luis Rafael de Barros
 
Mozambique
 
BWB Africa 2004
 
CFV - Beira
 
Makhtar Gueye
 
Senegal
 
BWB Global 2015
 
CFV - Beira
 
Paul Mbiya
 
DRC
 
BWB Africa 2022 / BWB Global 2023
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Liam Reid
 
South Africa
 
BWB Africa 2014
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Dylan Whitbread
 
South Africa
 
BWB Africa 2011
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Lebesa Selepe
 
South Africa
 
BWB Africa 2008
 
Cape Town Tigers
 
Parby Musongela
 
DRC
 
BWB Africa 2022 / BWB Global 2023
 
Petro de Luanda
 
Gerson Domingos
 
Angola
 
BWB Africa 2013
 
Petro de Luanda
 
Glofate Buiamba
 
Angola
 
BWB Africa 2016
 
Petro de Luanda
 
Seifeldin Hendaway
 
Egypt
 
BWB Africa 2022 / BWB Global 2023
 
S.L.A.C
 
Mabilmawut Mabil
 
South Sudan
 
BWB Africa 2022
 
The 2023 BAL season is reaching fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages through free-to-air and paid TV broadcast partnerships with the African Union of Broadcasting, American Forces Network (AFN), Canal+, ESPN (sub-Saharan Africa), NBA TV, Tencent, TV5 Monde, Visionary TV and VOA, and livestreaming on the NBA App (https://apo-opa.info/3leQJYr)www.NBA.com and www.BAL.NBA.com.

*Rosters are subject to change
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

ATLANTA’S DEJOUNTE MURRAY SUSPENDED

 

NEW YORK, April 24, 2023 – Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray has been suspended one game without pay for making inappropriate contact with and verbally abusing a game official, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.

 

The incident occurred at the conclusion of the Hawks’ 129-121 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on April 23 at State Farm Arena.  

 

Murray will serve his suspension Tuesday, April 25 when the Hawks visit the Celtics for Game 5 of the series at TD Garden.


Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors Game 4 on ABC Draws Largest NBA Playoffs First Round Audience Across Any Network in 21 Years

 

Average Audience of 7,523,000 Viewers, Peaking with 10,406,000 Viewers

 

ABC’s broadcast of the Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors Game 4 delivered the largest NBA Playoffs first round audience across any network in 21 years, according to Nielsen. The broadcast averaged 7,523,000 viewers, peaking with 10,406,000 viewers during the 6 p.m. ET quarter hour.

 

The ABC game was the most-watched program across all of television on Sunday, including in all key demographics. It was the most-watched first round NBA Playoffs game since April 28, 2002, when the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal-led Los Angeles Lakers squared off with the Portland Trail Blazers (8,555,000 viewers).


Basketball Africa League Announces Schedule Adjustment for Playoffs and Finals
The scheduling changes were made so that all four quarterfinal games can be played over the weekend
 
DAKAR, Senegal, April 25, 2023/ -- The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://theBAL.com/) today announced that the 2023 BAL Playoffs and Finals, previously scheduled to tip off on Sunday, May 21 and conclude on Saturday, May 27, will now tip off on Saturday, May 20.  The scheduling changes were made so that all four quarterfinal games can be played over the weekend. 

The top four teams from the Nile Conference group phase, which will take place at Hassan Mostafa Indoor Sports Complex in Cairo, Egypt from April 26 - May 6, will join Abidjan Basketball Club (ABC Fighters; Côte d’Ivoire), AS Douanes (Senegal), Rwanda Energy Group (REG; Rwanda) and Stade Malien (Mali) in the BAL Playoffs, which will feature a single-elimination tournament and Finals at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

NBA ANNOUNCES EARLY ENTRY CANDIDATES FOR

NBA DRAFT 2023 PRESENTED BY STATE FARM

 

NEW YORK, April 25, 2023 – The National Basketball Association announced today that 242 players have filed as early entry candidates for NBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm.

 

Players who have applied for early entry have the right to withdraw their names from consideration for the Draft by notifying the NBA of their decision in writing no later than 5 p.m. ET on Monday, June 12. Under NCAA rules, in order to retain college basketball eligibility, college players who have entered NBA Draft 2023 must withdraw by Wednesday, May 31.

 

Following is the list of players from colleges and professional teams who have applied for early entry into NBA Draft 2023, which will be held Thursday, June 22.

 

EARLY ENTRY CANDIDATES FOR NBA DRAFT 2023

Player                                                    School                                                   Height                   Status

Jaden Akins                                          Michigan State                                     6-4                          Sophomore

Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu           Memphis                                               6-10                        Senior

Trey Alexander                                    Creighton                                              6-4                          Sophomore

Damezi Anderson Jr.                          Detroit                                                   6-7                          Senior

Chase Audige                                       Northwestern                                        6-4                          Senior

Marcus Bagley                                     Arizona State                                        6-8                          Sophomore

Amari Bailey                                        UCLA                                                    6-5                          Freshman

Will Baker                                            Nevada                                                  7-0                          Junior

TJ Bamba                                              Washington State                                6-5                          Junior

Josh Bannan                                         Montana                                                6-10                        Junior    

Grant Basile                                          Virginia Tech                                       6-9                          Senior

Emoni Bates                                         Eastern Michigan                                6-10                        Sophomore

Manny Bates                                        Butler                                                     6-11                        Senior

Damion Baugh                                     TCU                                                       6-4                          Senior

Charles Bediako                                  Alabama                                                7-0                          Sophomore

Reece Beekman                                   Virginia                                                 6-3                          Junior

T.J. Bickerstaff                                    Boston College                                    6-9                          Senior

Anthony Black                                     Arkansas                                               6-7                          Freshman

Adem Bona                                           UCLA                                                    6-10                        Freshman

Gael Bonilla                                         Capitanes (G League)                         6-7                         

Keylan Boone                                      Pacific                                                    6-8                          Senior

Jalen Bridges                                        Baylor                                                    6-7                          Junior

Johni Broome                                       Auburn                                                  6-10                        Junior    

Jordan Brown                                       Louisiana                                              6-11                        Senior

Kobe Brown                                         Missouri                                                6-7                          Senior

Kobe Bufkin                                         Michigan                                               6-4                          Sophomore

Boo Buie                                               Northwestern                                        6-2                          Senior

Tyler Burton                                         Richmond                                             6-7                          Senior

Lamont Butler Jr.                                San Diego State                                   6-2                          Junior

Toumani Camara                                 Dayton                                                   6-8                          Senior

Tyger Campbell                                   UCLA                                                    6-0                          Senior

Wesley Cardet Jr.                                Chicago State                                       6-6                          Sophomore

Dylan Cardwell                                    Auburn                                                  6-11                        Junior

Branden Carlson                                  Utah                                                       7-0                          Senior

Jaylen Clark                                          UCLA                                                    6-5                          Junior

Noah Clowney                                     Alabama                                                6-10                        Freshman

Frankie Collins                                    Arizona State                                        6-1                          Sophomore

Yuri Collins                                          Saint Louis                                            6-0                          Senior

Ricky Council IV                                Arkansas                                               6-6                          Junior

Kevin Cross                                          Tulane                                                    6-8                          Senior

LJ Cryer                                                Baylor                                                    6-1                          Junior

Clarence Daniels II                             New Hampshire                                   6-6                          Junior

Tristan da Silva                                    Colorado                                               6-8                          Junior

Davonte Davis                                     Arkansas                                               6-4                          Junior

Johnell Davis                                        Florida Atlantic                                    6-4                          Junior

RayJ Dennis                                         Toledo                                                   6-2                          Senior

Gradey Dick                                         Kansas                                                   6-8                          Freshman             

Alou Dillon                                           Purdue-Northwest                               6-8                          Senior

Jordan Dingle                                       Pennsylvania                                        6-3                          Junior

Marcus Domask                                   Southern Illinois                                  6-6                          Senior   

Zach Edey                                             Purdue                                                   7-4                          Junior    

El Ellis                                                   Louisville                                              6-3                          Senior

Tosan Evbuomwan                              Princeton                                               6-8                          Senior

Adam Flagler                                       Baylor                                                    6-3                          Senior

Jaylen Forbes                                       Tulane                                                    6-5                          Senior

Armaan Franklin                                 Virginia                                                 6-4                          Senior

Enrique Freeman                                 Akron                                                     6-7                          Senior

Alex Fudge                                           Florida                                                   6-8                          Sophomore

Eric Gaines                                           UAB                                                       6-2                          Junior

Myron Gardner                                    Little Rock                                            6-6                          Senior

Keyonte George                                   Baylor                                                    6-4                          Freshman

Joseph Girard III                                  Syracuse                                                6-1                          Senior

Wendell Green Jr.                               Auburn                                                  5-11                        Junior

Mouhamed Gueye                               Washington State                                6-11                        Sophomore

PJ Hall                                                   Clemson                                                6-10                        Junior

Jacksun Hamilton                                Wisconsin-Parkside                            6-7                          Sophomore          

De’Vion Harmon                                 Texas Tech                                           6-2                          Senior

Ray Harrison                                        Grand Canyon                                      6-4                          Junior

Hakim Hart                                           Maryland                                               6-6                          Senior

Joey Hauser                                          Michigan State                                     6-9                          Senior

Coleman Hawkins                               Illinois                                                   6-10                        Junior

Jordan Hawkins                                   Connecticut                                          6-5                          Sophomore

Taylor Hendricks                                 UCF                                                       6-9                          Freshman

Jalen Hill                                               Oklahoma                                             6-7                          Senior

Blake Hinson                                        Pittsburgh                                              6-7                          Junior

A.J. Hoggard                                        Michigan State                                     6-4                          Junior

DaRon Holmes II                                Dayton                                                   6-10                        Sophomore

Jalen Hood-Schifino                           Indiana                                                   6-6                          Freshman

Ithiel Horton                                         UCF                                                       6-5                          Senior

Jett Howard                                          Michigan                                               6-8                          Freshman             

Tyrese Hunter                                      Texas                                                     6-0                          Sophomore

Jordan Ivy-Curry                                 Pacific                                                    6-2                          Junior

Andre Jackson Jr.                                Connecticut                                          6-6                          Junior

Gregory “GG” Jackson II                  South Carolina                                     6-9                          Freshman

Trayce Jackson-Davis                         Indiana                                                   6-9                          Senior

Josiah-Jordan James                            Tennessee                                             6-6                          Senior

Sion James                                            Tulane                                                    6-5                          Junior

Jaime Jaquez Jr.                                   UCLA                                                    6-7                          Senior

Keshad Johnson                                   San Diego State                                   6-7                          Senior

Keyontae Johnson                               Kansas State                                         6-5                          Senior

Meechie Johnson                                 South Carolina                                     6-2                          Junior

Colby Jones                                          Xavier                                                    6-6                          Junior

Dillon Jones                                          Weber State                                          6-6                          Junior

Djordjije Jovanovic                             Ontario (G League)                             6-7                         

Ryan Kalkbrenner                               Creighton                                              7-1                          Junior

Arthur Kaluma                                     Creighton                                              6-7                          Sophomore

Miles Kelly                                           Georgia Tech                                        6-4                          Sophomore

Jackson Kenyon                                   Miami (OH)                                          6-8                          Senior

Bobi Klintman                                     Wake Forest                                         6-10                        Freshman

Bol Kuir                                                San Diego                                             7-3                          Freshman

Pelle Larsson                                        Arizona                                                  6-5                          Junior

Tyrin Lawrence                                   Vanderbilt                                             6-4                          Junior

Jaedon LeDee                                       San Diego State                                   6-9                          Senior

Maxwell Lewis                                    Pepperdine                                            6-7                          Sophomore

Dereck Lively II                                  Duke                                                      7-1                          Freshman

Chris Livingston                                  Kentucky                                               6-6                          Freshman

Seth Lundy                                           Penn State                                             6-6                          Senior

Tramon Mark                                       Houston                                                 6-5                          Sophomore

Alijah Martin                                        Florida Atlantic                                    6-2                          Junior

Madison McCall                                  Lesley (MA)                                         6-2                          Senior

Kevin McCullar                                   Kansas                                                   6-6                          Senior

Mike Miles Jr.                                      TCU                                                       6-2                          Junior

Brandon Miller                                    Alabama                                                6-9                          Freshman

Emanuel Miller                                    TCU                                                       6-7                          Senior

Demetrius Mims                                  Gannon (PA)                                        6-6                          Senior

Judah Mintz                                          Syracuse                                                6-3                          Freshman

Isaiah Miranda                                     North Carolina State                           7-1                          Freshman

Dillon Mitchell                                    Texas                                                     6-8                          Freshman

RayQuawndis Mitchell                       Missouri-Kansas City                         6-5                          Senior

Omari Moore                                        San Jose State                                       6-6                          Senior

Jelanie Morgan                                    Lesley (MA)                                         6-4                          Freshman

Casey Morsell                                      North Carolina State                           6-3                          Senior

Paul Mulcahy                                       Rutgers                                                  6-6                          Senior

Kris Murray                                          Iowa                                                       6-8                          Junior

Matthew Murrell                                 Mississippi                                            6-4                          Junior

Grant Nelson                                        North Dakota State                              6-11                        Junior

Jordan Nesbitt                                      Hampton                                               6-6                          Sophomore

Tristen Newton                                    Connecticut                                          6-5                          Senior

Olivier Nkamhoua                               Tennessee                                             6-8                          Senior   

Landers Nolley II                                Cincinnati                                             6-7                          Senior

Jack Nunge                                           Xavier                                                    7-0                          Senior   

Toby Okani                                           Illinois-Chicago                                   6-8                          Junior

Norchad Omier                                    Miami                                                    6-7                          Junior

Clifford Omoruyi                                Rutgers                                                  6-11                        Junior

Nick Ongenda                                      DePaul                                                   6-11                        Senior

Nijel Pack                                             Miami                                                    6-0                          Junior

Elijah Pepper                                        UC Davis                                              6-4                          Senior

Rob Perry                                              Murray State                                         6-4                          Senior

Julian Phillips                                       Tennessee                                             6-8                          Freshman

Uros Plavsic                                         Tennessee                                             7-0                          Senior

Brandin Podziemski                            Santa Clara                                           6-5                          Sophomore

Quinten Post                                         Boston College                                    7-0                          Senior

Justin Powell                                        Washington State                                6-6                          Junior

Olivier-Maxence Prosper                   Marquette                                              6-8                          Junior

Zyon Pullin                                           UC Riverside                                        6-4                          Senior

Jahvon Quinerly                                  Alabama                                                6-1                          Senior

Antonio Reeves                                   Kentucky                                               6-4                          Senior

Jeremy Roach                                       Duke                                                      6-2                          Junior

Terry Roberts                                       Georgia                                                  6-3                          Senior

Luis Rodriguez                                    UNLV                                                    6-6                          Senior   

Cormac Ryan                                       Notre Dame                                          6-5                          Senior   

Adama Sanogo                                     Connecticut                                          6-9                          Junior

Marcus Sasser                                      Houston                                                 6-2                          Senior

Mark Sears                                            Alabama                                                6-1                          Junior

Brice Sensabaugh                                Ohio State                                             6-6                          Freshman

Terrence Shannon Jr.                          Illinois                                                   6-6                          Senior

Mike Sharavjamts                               Dayton                                                   6-8                          Freshman

Jamarion Sharp                                    Western Kentucky                               7-5                          Senior

Jamal Shead                                          Houston                                                 6-1                          Junior

Ben Sheppard                                       Belmont                                                 6-6                          Senior

Grant Sherfield                                    Oklahoma                                             6-2                          Senior

Dontrell Shuler                                    Cal State San Bernardino                   6-3                          Senior

Malachi Smith                                      Gonzaga                                                6-4                          Senior

Nick Smith Jr.                                      Arkansas                                               6-5                          Freshman

Terquavion Smith                                North Carolina State                           6-4                          Sophomore          

Tolu Smith                                            Mississippi State                                  6-10                        Senior

Isaiah Stevens                                      Colorado State                                     6-0                          Senior

Julian Strawther                                   Gonzaga                                                6-7                          Junior

Justice Sueing                                      Ohio State                                             6-7                          Senior

Russel Tchewa                                     South Florida                                        7-0                          Senior

Tyler Thomas                                       Hofstra                                                   6-3                          Senior

Drew Timme                                        Gonzaga                                                6-10                        Senior

Keisei Tominaga                                 Nebraska                                               6-2                          Senior

Nae’Qwan Tomlin                               Kansas State                                         6-10                        Senior

Jacob Toppin                                        Kentucky                                               6-9                          Senior

Mady Traore                                         New Mexico State                               6-11                        Freshman

Oscar Tshiebwe                                   Kentucky                                               6-9                          Senior

Azuolas Tubelis                                   Arizona                                                  6-11                        Junior

Cameron Tyson                                   Seattle                                                    6-3                          Senior

Connor Vanover                                  Oral Roberts                                         7-5                          Senior

Steele Venters                                      Eastern Washington                            6-7                          Junior

Damjan Vukcevic                                Los Angeles Trade Tech                    6-8                          Freshman

Qudus Wahab                                       Georgetown                                          6-11                        Senior

Jarace Walker                                       Houston                                                 6-8                          Freshman

Cason Wallace                                     Kentucky                                               6-4                          Freshman

Jordan Walsh                                        Arkansas                                               6-7                          Freshman

Anton Watson                                      Gonzaga                                                6-8                          Senior

Dariq Whitehead                                 Duke                                                      6-7                          Freshman

Cam Whitmore                                    Villanova                                              6-7                          Freshman

Jaylin Williams                                    Auburn                                                  6-8                          Senior   

Tyler Willoughby                                Voorhees (SC)                                     6-3                          Senior

Jalen Wilson                                         Kansas                                                   6-8                          Junior

Tyrese Wineglass                                Southwestern Adventist (TX)           5-10                        Junior

Isaiah Wong                                         Miami                                                    6-4                          Senior

 

 

The following is the list of international players who have applied for early entry into NBA Draft 2023:

 

Player                                                    Team/Country of Team                   Height                   Status

Miguel Allen                                        Joventut (Spain)                                   6-8                          2003 DOB

Idrissa Ba                                              Levallois (France)                               7-0                          2002 DOB

Elian Benitez                                        Bourg (France)                                     5-11                        2003 DOB

William Beugre-Kassi                        Roanne (France)                                  6-6                          2004 DOB

Mihailo Boskovic                                Dynamic (Serbia)                                6-10                        2002 DOB

Michael Caicedo                                  Granada (Spain)                                   6-6                          2003 DOB

Sasa Ciani                                             Cedevita (Croatia)                               6-9                          2003 DOB

Bilal Coulibaly                                     Levallois (France)                               6-6                          2004 DOB

Carlin Davison                                     Airs (New Zealand)                            6-5                          2003 DOB

Ege Demir                                             Tofas (Turkey)                                     6-10                        2004 DOB

Thijs De Ridder                                   Antwerp (Belgium)                             6-8                          2003 DOB

Nikola Djurisic                                    Mega (Serbia)                                      6-8                          2004 DOB

Ruben Dominguez                               Estudiantes (Spain)                             6-5                          2003 DOB

Quinn Ellis                                            Monferrato (Italy)                               6-4                          2003 DOB

Juan Fernandez                                    Fuenlabrada (Spain)                            6-10                        2002 DOB

Clement Frisch                                     Nancy (France)                                    6-7                          2002 DOB

Sananda Fru                                          Braunschweig (Germany)                  6-9                          2003 DOB

Gloire Goma                                         Chlorella (Spain)                                 6-5                          2003 DOB

Hassane Gueye                                    ASA (France)                                       6-10                        2003 DOB

Ondrej Hanzlik                                    Girona (Spain)                                     6-7                          2002 DOB

Nadir Hifi                                              Le Portel (France)                               6-3                          2002 DOB

Tomislav Ivisic                                    Podgorica (Montenegro)                    7-0                          2003 DOB

Zvonimir Ivisic                                    Podgorica (Montenegro)                    7-2                          2003 DOB

Ilias Kamardine                                   Evreux (France)                                   6-4                          2003 DOB

Konstantin Kostadinov                       Palencia (Spain)                                   6-8                          2003 DOB

Oleksandr Kovliar                               Kalev/Cramo (Estonia)                       6-3                          2002 DOB

Liutauras Lelevicius                            Zalgiris (Lithuania)                             6-7                          2003 DOB

Gilad Levy                                            Hapoel Jerusalem (Israel)                  7-1                          2002 DOB

Ruben Lopez                                        Gran Canaria (Spain)                          6-8                          2002 DOB

Assemian Moulare                              Vichy-Clermont (France)                   6-0                          2003 DOB            

Ousmane Ndiaye                                 Baskonia (Spain)                                 6-11                        2004 DOB

James Nnaji                                          Barcelona (Spain)                                7-0                          2004 DOB

David Okwera                                      Melbourne (Australia)                        7-0                          2002 DOB

Daniel Onwenu                                    Corinthians (Brazil)                            6-6                          2002 DOB

Romain Parmentelot                           Lyon (France)                                      6-3                          2004 DOB

Ivan Perasovic                                      Cibona (Croatia)                                  6-7                          2002 DOB

Mantas Rubstavicius                           Lietkabelis (Lithuania)                       6-6                          2002 DOB

Rayan Rupert                                       New Zealand (Australia)                    6-6                          2004 DOB

Musa Sagnia                                         Manresa (Spain)                                  6-7                          2003 DOB

Marcio Santos                                      Sesi Franca (Brazil)                            6-9                          2002 DOB

Enzo Shahrvin                                      Pau Orthez (France)                            6-7                          2003 DOB

Birahima Sylla                                     Roanne (France)                                  6-7                          2003 DOB

Dez Andras Tanoh                              Budapesti Honved (Hungary)           6-3                          2002 DOB

Hugo Toom                                          Kalev/Cramo (Estonia)                       6-7                          2002 DOB

Armel Traore                                        Levallois (France)                               6-8                          2003 DOB

Ricards Vanags                                    Liepaja (Latvia)                                   6-8                          2002 DOB

Tristan Vukcevic                                 Partizan (Serbia)                                  7-0                          2003 DOB

Victor Wembanyama                          Levallois (France)                               7-4                          2004 DOB

 

Asian dairy giant Yili becomes newest FIBA Global Partner

APRIL 26, 2023

MIES (Switzerland) - FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, is delighted to welcome Yili, one of the top 5 dairy brands in the world and the biggest in Asia, as its newest Global Partner.

The agreement will see the Chinese-owned company Yili with key commercial rights, including on-court branding at the prestigious FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 tipping off in August. 

With a passionate basketball fan community in China, in particular, Yili provides an excellent opportunity to expand the FIBA brand across Asia even further and also help promote the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. 

Yili will be a co-presenter of the FIBA Basketball World Cup App and when the best basketball players on the planet step off the court and hit the bench, they will be handed Yili-branded towels when they take a well-deserved rest. 

"We are thrilled to be able to welcome Yili to the FIBA Family as our latest Global Partner. Being a brand leader in Asia would be of huge significance at any time, but especially taking into account the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in the region that has a combined population of over half a billion people," said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis.

"Yili also already has significant expertise and experience in sponsoring major sporting events and competitions, so we are confident this is a great partnership that will prove successful for both of us," Zagklis added.

Meanwhile. Mr. Liu Chunxi, Executive President of Yili Group stated: "We are very happy to become a FIBA Global Partner and everyone at Yili is excited by the possibilities it provides, both in terms of being able to grow our brand and in helping to make basketball even more popular - something which we know is already growing at a rapid rate.

"The FIBA Basketball World Cup is one of the largest events in international sport and we are looking forward to helping to promote it and using such a big tournament to showcase our brand and products globally. It feels like a great fit for us," Mr. Liu Chunxi added.

Yili will access all of the standard rights and benefits for FIBA Global Partners and have the right to use marks to promote the partnership on its own products, including sub-brands that are within the product category.


The official signing ceremony occurred at the iconic Great Wall of China at the Juyong Pass, located 50km from Beijing. FIBA and Yili also unveiled the words 'Passion - Win For All' representing the key slogans of the two organizations, made of 1,206 Molten basketballs, which will be donated to charity. This also goes down as a first on the Great Wall and a Guinness World Record.  

This agreement was brokered by FIBA Marketing, the strategic partnership between FIBA and Infront.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS LAUNCH NBA G LEAGUE TEAM TO PLAY AT CHILES CENTER ON THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND CAMPUS

– NBA G League’s Record 31st Team to Debut in 2023-24 Season –

 

PORTLAND, Ore., April 26, 2023 – The Portland Trail Blazers and the NBA G League today announced that the Trail Blazers have acquired the right to own and operate an NBA G League team that will launch in the Chiles Center on the University of Portland’s campus in North Portland. The team is expected to debut in the 2023-24 season. With today’s announcement, the NBA G League expands to a record 31 teams for the 2023-24 season. The name and brand identity of the team will be announced at a later date, as well as the front office and coaching staff.

 

Chiles Center serves as the home for the University of Portland’s Division I athletics programs competing in the West Coast Conference. Opened in 1984, the 4,852-seat convocation dome has hosted numerous high-profile events, including college basketball’s Phil Knight tournaments last November, as well as the 1992 and 2007 West Coast Conference Basketball Championships. The University has previously partnered with the Trail Blazers on hosting countless NBA events over the last decade, including a successful partnership that resulted in the 2030 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four recently being awarded to the City of Portland.

 

“I’m excited to welcome Jody Allen and the Trail Blazers ownership group to the NBA G League family,” said NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim.  “The NBA G League continues to grow to meet the developmental demands of NBA teams, and today’s announcement is further proof of the value the league provides to the NBA every day.  I can’t wait to watch the team tip off at the Chiles Center next season.”

 

“It was very important to our organization to enter the G League with an affiliate here in Portland and strategically strengthen our dedication to player development,” said Joe Cronin, Portland Trail Blazers General Manager. “I would especially like to thank Jody Allen, who is aligned with Dewayne Hankins and myself, to make it a priority to have this team ready for next season as it will serve not only as a developmental tool for players but also for aspiring coaches and staff while we continue to be a mainstay in the community as a whole.”

 

"Entering the G League with a team of our own will increase development in numerous areas,” said Dewayne Hankins, Portland Trail Blazers President of Business Operations. “Not only will this team be an asset for developing young talent on the court, but developing talent off the court as well. We’ll be leaning into an innovative approach that will improve all aspects of our business across both teams. With the team launching at the University of Portland, we’re excited to continue engaging with the North Portland community.”

 

“Pilot Nation is thrilled to welcome the Trail Blazers G League franchise to their home on The Bluff,” said University of Portland President Robert D. Kelly, PhD. “UP has a rich and storied athletic tradition, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue that tradition by hosting this new franchise on our beautiful campus. I am grateful to our friends from the Portland Trail Blazers and our Athletic Department staff for making this wonderful partnership happen, and I can’t wait for the inaugural season to begin!”

 

Fans interested in season or single-game tickets, team news, and anything else related to the new team can visit www.ripcitygleague.com for more information.

 

To finish the 2022-23 NBA season, nine Trail Blazers had NBA G League experience: Ibou Badji, John Butler Jr., Chance Comanche, Drew Eubanks, Keon Johnson, Skylar Mays, Justin Minaya, Anfernee Simons and Jeenathan Williams.  Since the NBA G League was established in 2001, Portland has called up a total of 20 players, including 13 over the last two seasons.   The Trail Blazers have assigned 27 players to the NBA G League for development or injury rehabilitation while Portland assistant coaches Jonah Herscu, Steve Hetzel and Roy Rogers spent time coaching in the G League.

 

The NBA G League is a proven developer of NBA talent while also acting as the league’s research and development laboratory, testing out innovative rules now used at the NBA level, including the Coach’s Challenge and the 14-second shot-clock reset rule.  Currently, more than half of the players on NBA rosters have G League experience, while six NBA head coaches spent time honing their craft in the G League.  In addition, half of the first-round picks in the NBA Draft 2022 presented by State Farm® played games in the G League this season.


NEW NBA COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT RATIFIED

NEW YORK, April 26, 2023 – The National Basketball Association and National Basketball Players Association announced today that the new Collective Bargaining Agreement has been ratified by the NBA Board of Governors and the NBA players.  The seven-year agreement will take effect on July 1, 2023, and run through the 2029-30 season.

 

2023 NBA FINALS PRESENTED BY YOUTUBE TV TO FEATURE EARLIER START TIMES ON ABC

 

NEW YORK, April 26, 2023 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and ESPN today announced that the 2023 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV will feature earlier start times on ABC.  NBA Finals games on weekdays will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET, 30 minutes earlier than in prior years, while games airing on Sundays will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.

 

“Our fans told us that earlier starts for Finals games are simply better for them,” said Gregg Winik, NBA President, Content and Executive Producer.  “We’re excited to work with ABC to present the 2023 NBA Finals at a more optimal viewing time.”

“We're proud to work closely with our NBA partners to deliver the NBA Finals on ABC for the 21st consecutive season,” said Julie Sobieski, ESPN Senior Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions. “Our best-in-class coverage team is ready to showcase all of the action and excitement, now at earlier start times for fans.”

 

Full 2023 NBA Finals on ABC Schedule:

Game 1

Thursday, June 1

8:30 p.m. ET

Game 2

Sunday, June 4

8:00 p.m. ET

Game 3

Wednesday, June 7

8:30 p.m. ET

Game 4

Friday, June 9

8:30 p.m. ET

Game 5*

Monday, June 12

8:30 p.m. ET

Game 6*

Thursday, June 15

8:30 p.m. ET

Game 7*

Sunday, June 18

8:00 p.m. ET

*If necessary


Ub Huishan NE win FIBA 3x3 World Tour Utsunomiya Opener 2023

APRIL 30, 2023

UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - No.1 seed Ub Huishan NE (SRB) defended their title in style to easily beat Antwerp TOPdesk (BEL) 21-11 and win the Utsunomiya Opener on April 30. 

After dominating 2022, Ub entered the final as favorites but faced a determined Antwerp, who had shown outstanding defense and intensity to outlast Sansar MMC Energy (MGL) in a thrilling semi-final. 

Through trademark chemistry and MVP Strahinja Stojacic in attack mode, Ub jumped out to an early 9-4 lead after legend Dejan Majstorovic hit an incredible off-balanced two. 

Ub were on a roll with crisp passing to extend their lead to a sizeable 16-7 advantage. They could not be stopped and clinched the title with beautiful ball movement to prove they remain the team to beat in 2023. 

Stojacic had a game-high 9 points and showed why he is the best player with a dominant tournament, where he finished top in player value (42.7), scoring (39), highlights (33) and key assists (10). 

After being the top two teams in the season opener, Ub and Antwerp won tickets to the first-ever Marseille Masters on June 30-July 1. 

In the individual contests, Vienna's (AUT) Matthias Linortner won the Maurice Lacroix Shoot-out Contest, while Joel Henry aka 'The Royal Guard' from Great Britain claimed the Ashikawa Bank Dunk Contest.

FINAL STANDINGS
1. Ub Huishan NE (SRB)
2. Antwerp TOPdesk (BEL)
3. Vienna (AUT)
4. Sansar MMC Energy (MGL)
5. Amsterdam HiPRO (NED)
6. Partizan (SRB)
7. Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU)
8. Utsunomiya BREX EXE (JPN)
9. Yokohama BeefmanEXE (JPN)
10. Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL)
11. Sydney CLBEXE (AUS)
12. Rosedale SwishEXE (NZL)

The FIBA 3x3 World Tour is back (May 20-21) with the Manila Masters.

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw completed in Manila

APRIL 29, 2023

MANILA (Philippines) - The highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw presented by Wanda has concluded in Manila, with all 32 nations now aware of who they will face at the flagship event.

Laying out the pathway for all teams in their journey to be crowned champions, it has further intensified the excitement ahead of the 19th edition of the prestigious tournament, which will take place from August 25 to September 10 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw presented by Wanda was carried out according to the draw principles and the results were as follows:

Held at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines capital, it proved to be a spectacular event, with Argentina legend and FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Global Ambassador, Luis Scola, on stage to assist with the draw, as well as basketball icon Dirk Nowitzki, a Central Board Member and Chair of the FIBA Players' Commission. 

It was also attended by the FIBA Central Board, under the leadership of FIBA President Hamane Niang and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, the Chairs of the three LOCs, local ambassadors and special guests from the host nations, as well as representatives from participating National Federations.

Those present enjoyed performances from global hip-hop artist Saweetie and an array of Filipino favorites including Sarah Geronimo and Billy Crawford.

A huge audience watching around the globe also followed the Draw via the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 websiteFIBA's YouTube channel, the official streaming service Courtside 1891, or many of FIBA’s official broadcast partners from across the world who covered the event on both television and on digital platforms.

The full schedule for the competition will be available soon on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 website.

Molten launch exclusive FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 official game ball

APRIL 29, 2023

MIES (Switzerland) - The official game ball which will be used during the prestigious FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 has been unveiled by FIBA's valued and long-standing partner Molten. 

A manufacturer of competition quality sports balls and equipment, Molten have produced an exclusive design for the Group Phase and the Final of the flagship tournament, which will tip off on August 25 in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.

The official game ball was jointly designed by FIBA and Molten based on the highly regarded BG5000, which has been used in FIBA international games since August 2019.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 official game ball from Molten
The exclusive design concept of the game ball is 'The Passion Wave' which represents both the passion for basketball that forms a heartbeat and the way it spreads and cascades around the world. Both the heart and wave elements are part of the design.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will also be the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by three countries and it will undoubtedly make people passionate and excited about basketball, bringing them even closer together.  Meanwhile gold is used as part of the elements, further enhancing the design of the game ball.

Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General, said "Molten has always set out to be innovative and to attain excellence. They have been working closely with us for 40 years to achieve this.

"We are all very excited by this exclusive official game ball. Its great design and concept, while maintaining the grip and quality performance, has made Molten basketballs hugely popular with players and fans.


"As FIBA's longest-standing partner, Molten have always been an important and valuable member of the FIBA Family. Their basketballs a crucial element for us as we continue to take the sport to new heights. I thank them for their commitment to basketball and to FIBA," added Zagklis.

Kiyo Tamiaki, President and CEO of Molten Corporation, said: "I am honored to be involved in creating the official game ball for the international competitions held by FIBA using the special design embodying the championship’s brand identity.

"Molten continuously pursues technological innovation and outstanding achievements, and for that purpose, we have been working in close cooperation with FIBA. I would like to once again take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis and everyone involved with FIBA."

The official game ball launch was part of the Draw Festival held in Manila, with Argentina hero Luis Scola, a FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Global Ambassador, and Philippines Ambassador LA Tenorio, on hand for the reveal. 

Sales of the official game balls and replica models will begin in various countries around the world starting from the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw, presented by Wanda, which will be held in Manila, Philippines on April 29.

### 

About the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 
The 19th edition of FIBA's flagship event, the FIBA Basketball World Cup, will take place for the first time across three host nations in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10.   

For further information about the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, visit www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2023 or follow the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 on FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTube.

FIBA announce host countries for FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments

APRIL 29, 2023
MANILA (Philippines) - Five countries have been confirmed at today's FIBA Central Board meeting as hosts of this summer's FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments.

The Pre-Qualifying Tournaments give 40 countries that did not make it to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 hope of still reaching the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. 

By winning a Pre-Qualifying Tournament, a country would then take part in one of next year’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, with the winners of those clinching spots in Paris.   

The tournaments will be played in the following locations:   

Africa
  • Group Phase and Final Phase: Lagos, Nigeria 
Americas
  • Group Phase and Final Phase: Argentina (city to be confirmed)
Europe 
  • 1st tournament, Group Phase and Final Phase: Istanbul, Turkey
  • 2nd tournament: Poland and Estonia
    • Group Phase: Gliwice (POL) and Tallinn (EST)
    • Final Phase: Gliwice (POL)
Asia
  • The host of the tournament in Asia will be confirmed at a later date.  

Participating Teams and Draw Principles 

For Africa, Americas and Asia, the Draw Principles will be the same. The participating teams have been distributed in four pots based on the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike.

By the draw, the teams from each pot will be distributed in two groups and at the same time each will be assigned a competition number. 

For Europe, the participating teams have been distributed in eight pots based on the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike.

By the draw, the teams from each pot will be distributed in four groups and at the same time they will be assigned the competition numbers.

Groups A & B and Groups C & D are crossing to qualify the best team for the next year’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

Pots 1, 4, 5 and 8 are feeding groups A and B. Those groups will play in Poland and Estonia.

Group Phase Hosts Poland and Estonia will play at home and cannot be drawn in the same group.

Pots 2, 3, 6 and 7 are feeding groups C and D. Those groups will play in Turkey.

The five FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments will be held from August 12-20, 2023, with the five winners earning spots in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments to be held in July 2024.  

Israel to host FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2024

APRIL 29, 2023

MANILA (Philippines) – The first Universality FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament (UOQT) will take place in Israel in 2024.

The decision was taken at the FIBA Central Board in Manila, Philippines.       

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said: “We are delighted that the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament will be held in Israel next year and are confident that it will be a memorable event for our players and fans on the road to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. To have a major 3x3 event in a traditional basketball country like Israel confirms the growth of our second discipline.”

Israeli Basketball Association President Amiram Halevy added: “It is a great honour and privilege for us as a federation and as the State of Israel to host such an important tournament. As we have done in the past, we will provide everyone who comes to play, referee or watch the games a great experience.”

The Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament will see 8 teams per gender compete over 2 days to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This UOQT will consist of Israel and the best 7 teams in the National Federation ranking (not yet qualified to Paris) after the cut-off date of 1 November 2023 which have not played in the Olympic Basketball tournaments in the last two Olympics (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020). The winner in each category will go to Paris 2024.

For more information about 3x3 at the Paris 2024 Olympics, go to http://fiba3x3.basketball/olympics

###

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.

 It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly city-based FIBA 3x3 World Tour and national-team FIBA 3x3 World & Continental Cups.

On July 24, 2021, 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games.

 For further information about 3x3, visit fiba3x3.basketball, FIBA 3x3 accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Sina Weibo, Tencent, TikTok, Twitter, Youku , YouTube and Twitch or contact 3x3@fiba.basketball.

Utsunomiya ready on eve of biggest
FIBA 3x3 World Tour season ever

APRIL 28, 2023

UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) – The twelfth edition of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour – the top competition on the 3x3 pro circuit – starts tomorrow, April 29, in Utsunomiya and will visit an unprecedent 18 cities in its largest season ever.

After announcing 13 stops earlier this year, FIBA is excited to announce 5 new Masters for this upcoming 3x3 World Tour season.

2023 season:

Utsunomiya Opener - April 29-30

Manila - May 20-21
Marseille - June 30 - July 1
Macau - July 8-9
Edmonton - July 28-29
Prague - August 5-6
Lausanne - August 18-19
Debrecen - August 26-27
Constanta - September 9-10
Cebu - September 23-24
Amsterdam - October 6-7
Shanghai - October 14-15
Chengdu - October 21-22
Abu Dhabi - October 27-28
Wuxi - November 4-5
Manama - November 16-17
Hong Kong - November 25-26

World Tour Final - December 9-10


The full list of Challengers (international qualifiers) can be found here.

Ub Huishan NE (SRB) won the 11th edition of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Final on December 10-11, 2022.


###

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.

It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly professional circuit for men and women (World Tour and Women’s Series respectively) and national-team competitions.

3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Wilson is the Global Ball Partner, Maurice Lacroix the Official Timekeeper and Chooks-to-Go the Global Partner of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2022.

FIBA 3x3 events are played on Enlio floors with Wilson balls, Schelde backstops, Bodet shot-clocks and the Magic Sky canopy system.

For further information about 3x3, visit fiba3x3.basketball, FIBA 3x3 accounts on DouyinFacebookInstagramSina WeiboTencentTikTok, TwitchTwitterYouku and YouTube or contact 3x3@fiba.basketball.

FIBA

Qatar announced as host of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027

APRIL 28, 2023

MANILA (Philippines) - The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) has been awarded the hosting rights for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, with all games at the prestigious tournament to be played in the city of Doha.  

In making their decision, FIBA's Central Board were impressed by the bid and particularly the elements around the compact geographical nature, unique flexibility with tournament venue scheduling to better serve the fans, as well as an emphasis on sustainability.  

One of the best-connected destinations in the world, Qatar's capital city, Doha, has direct flights from most of the potential participating countries, while the recently upgraded subway and public transportation network connects all venues, providing a top-class service for all visitors. 

With all of the teams playing in the same city, fans can plan everything far in advance and enjoy a unique experience since all venues are within 30 minutes of each other. 

Additionally, all venues to be used for FIBA's flagship men’s event are already constructed, while widely used green technologies will help in delivering the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 as a carbon-neutral event. 

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 will engage millions of people in basketball throughout the Middle East and North African (MENA) regions as this is the first time FIBA's flagship event will have been hosted in this part of the world and will help grow the popularity of basketball even further.

Hamane Niang, FIBA President, said: "The Central Board was impressed by the submission made by QBF. I would like to congratulate them on behalf of the Board for the quality of the work they have already completed in putting this bid together. We are very happy to be able to award the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 to Qatar. 

"While we are all looking forward to what we know will be another standout FIBA event when the action starts in Qatar, we will also enjoy the full journey to Doha. The qualification path to the World Cup has been a great success since its introduction in 2017, and we will be ready once again to follow all the action." 

Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General, added: "I would like to congratulate QBF on their successful bid, and we are very confident that this event will be one of the highest quality both on and off the court. 

"Importantly, it will be delivered by a skilled and experienced team that has an excellent track record on a wide range of major international sporting events, including world championships or cups of more than a dozen other top Olympic sports. 

"Additionally, to have all 32 participating teams based in one city for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 will present a unique opportunity for fans to customize their World Cup experience by accessing more games in person than in any other FIBA World Cup over the last twenty years. I believe 2027 will be a special experience in Doha for this flagship FIBA event."

Germany to host the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026

APRIL 28, 2023

MANILA (Philippines) - FIBA has awarded the hosting rights for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 to the German Basketball Federation (DBB). The decision was taken by FIBA's Central Board during today's meeting held in the Philippines on the eve of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw. This will be the second time that Germany will host the women's flagship tournament, having previously done so in 1998.
  
The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 will take place during September 2026 in Berlin and will be played at two premium venues, namely Arena Berlin and Max-Schmeling Halle - the former having been used for the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 Final

DBB's impressive work as co-hosts of the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 played a key role in their award of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026. They hosted the Final Phase of the prestigious competition in the German capital, Berlin, as well as a Group Phase in Cologne, with the event considered to have been one of the most successful editions ever.  

It is an exciting time for women's basketball in Germany since the award of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 comes in the wake of the national team recently confirming their return to the FIBA Women's EuroBasket for the first time in 12 years. The German Federation has built a 10-year development plan for women's basketball, in line with FIBA's Women in Basketball strategy, and has placed the flagship event at the heart of its initiatives. 

FIBA President Hamane Niang said: "The Central Board was very pleased with the submission from the DBB, and I would like to congratulate them on behalf of the Board for the excellent work they have undertaken in putting this bid together. We are delighted to be able to award the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 to Germany. 

"FIBA received interest from several National Federations to organize the next women's World Cup, confirming the unique momentum for women's basketball. After the incredible success of the last edition in Sydney, we now look forward to the biggest women's event in basketball taking place in another iconic city like Berlin.

"Importantly, we are also looking forward to following what will be an exciting road to the German capital, especially with the introduction of the new Pre-Qualifying Tournaments that will start next year." 

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis commented: "I would like to congratulate DBB on their successful bid, and we are all now looking forward to a highly productive and successful cooperation during this important planning phase. 

"We are confident that together, we will be able to enhance further the brand and global appeal of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in a city that loves basketball and attracts millions of tourists annually. 

"The women's game continues to grow worldwide and with the expertise and track record DBB has from hugely successful events, there's no doubt we will all enjoy another exceptional event."  

The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 will be played with an expanded field of 16 teams and national teams will qualify through global Qualifying Tournaments. Additionally, with the introduction of the new Pre-Qualifying Tournaments, to be played in 2024, there is now an increased opportunity for even more nations to participate on the road to Berlin.