MANILA (Philippines) - San Miguel Beer, one of the largest and most diversified corporations in the Philippines, has found its way into this year's most-awaited global basketball event by signing as a major local sponsor for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Parent company San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is throwing its support to the Philippines' staging of FIBA's showpiece men's competition, an event of such scale and magnitude that first came to these shores more than four decades ago when the Philippines organized the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 1978, with the former Yugoslavia emerging as champions.

As co-host this time, the Philippines will host 52 of the 92 World Cup games, including the final phase, in the 32-team quadrennial international summit, considered the pinnacle of FIBA events. The games will be housed at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City; Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City; and the 50,000-capacity Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Sharing hosting honors are Japan and Indonesia.

Manny V. Pangilinan, a member of the FIBA Central Board and Chairman and CEO of Metro Pacific Investments Corp, said: "Hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup is a dream come true for every Filipino and having San Miguel Beer as a major local partner in the realization of that dream is what will guarantee the event's success."

Alfred S. Panlilio, a member of the FIBA Asia Board and President and CEO of PLDT and Smart Communications, meanwhile, paid tribute to the generosity of San Miguel Beer in agreeing to forge a landmark partnership that will ultimately open up the country as a beacon of unity, leadership and hospitality.

"Time and again, San Miguel Corporation has demonstrated its steadfast commitment to the welfare of the Filipino people in sports, industry, food production, health and elsewhere," Panlilio said.

"And here, once again, by being part of the national effort to undertake such a huge responsibility, SMC, through San Miguel Beer, stands shoulder to shoulder with our countrymen in delivering a FIBA Basketball World Cup to remember."

Ramon S. Ang, President and Chief Executive of San Miguel Corporation, expressed elation at the chance to extend a helping hand in promoting the country’s image to the world through a sporting event like the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

"Rare is the moment when our country can take center stage and show to the world what we are capable of doing. Definitely, hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup is one of those golden opportunities, a privilege, and I congratulate everyone involved in bringing this grand event to our shores and wish them success," Ang said.

 "We at San Miguel Corporation have always been willing partners of national endeavors that put the Filipino’s leading qualities at the forefront for the whole world to see and marvel at, and this FIBA Basketball World Cup is about to showcase that."

David Crocker, Executive Director of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, also expressed his delight over the entry of San Miguel Beer as a major local sponsor and warmly welcomed them on board at the partnership announcement event.

The 19th edition of FIBA's flagship event, the FIBA Basketball World Cup, will take place from August 25 to September 10, with the Draw ceremony, presented by Wanda, to be held on April 29 in the Philippines capital. For more information, click here.  

FIBA