MANILA – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said the country’s hosting of the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Basketball World Cup 2023 is something Filipino basketball fans can be proud of.
“This is certainly positive news. It is something to look forward to amidst the difficult situation the entire world is facing right now,” SBP president Al S. Panlilio said in a statement.
“Rest assured SBP officials will work hand in hand even with the limitations of the times to guarantee that our co-hosting of the tournament will be something that Filipino basketball fans will remember and will be proud of,” he added.
FIBA Central Board announced on May 11 that the world cup co-hosted by Philippines, Indonesia and Japan – first time in the competition’s history that it is to be staged in more than one country – will be played from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10, 2023.
FIBA officially came out with the World Cup calendar following a series of consultations with the host countries and the recommendation from the cage body’s Competitions Commission.
“After discussions between FIBA and the host countries Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, it was finalized that after a 15-month qualifying period, the best 32 teams in the world will compete from August 25 to Sept. 10,” said Panlilio.
Each country will host its respective Group Phase, but the Final Phase of the competition will be played in Manila.
The Philippines last hosted the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 1978.
The qualification process for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will include six windows over a 15-month period across the four regions of Africa, Americas, Asia/Oceania and Europe./PN
