MIES, Switzerland (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023) - Thursday August 31 marked the deadline for candidates bidding to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 to submit Candidature Files.

Russia and Turkey have each put forward single host nation bids, while Argentina/Uruguay and Indonesia/Japan/Philippines are teaming up in two multiple host countries candidacies.

We give the floor to each bidder to talk about its candidacy.

Key facts about Argentina/Uruguay and basketball

Argentina

• Population: 43.86 million (2016)
• Capital city: Buenos Aires
• Joined FIBA in 1932

Uruguay

• Population: 3.44 million (2016)
• Capital city: Montevideo
• Joined FIBA in 1936

Biggest basketball achievements to date

Argentina

• 1-time FIBA Basketball World Cup winners (1950)
• 1-time Olympic gold medalists (2004)
• 2-time FIBA Americas Championship winners (2001 and 2011)
• 13-time South American Championship winners 

Uruguay

• 2-time Olympic bronze medalists (1952 and 1956)
• 12-time South American Championship winners

Proposed cities and venues

• Cordoba, Orfeo Arena (Argentina)
• Mar del Plata, Islas Malvinas Arena (Argentina)
• Mendoza, Villa Deportiva Arena (Argentina)
• Montevideo, ANTEL Arena (Uruguay)
• Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires Arena (Argentina)

Why did you decide to apply to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023?

Argentina and Uruguay decided to submit a joint bid for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, fully understanding the responsibilities that go with hosting such an event. Each country respects what the World Cup means and is prepared to accept the challenge of setting a new standard for our sport. Argentina and Uruguay will offer a perfect mix of tradition and modernity that comes out of the eagerness and pride of the two countries working together. The goal is for everyone to have the opportunity to experience the competition - be it in person or watching on television or via livestreaming - and to feel all the emotion and passion that makes this event special.

Why did you decide to host FIBA's flagship event as part of a multiple host bid? What are the benefits that you see in doing so? 

Both of our countries share a common past. They share traditions, history, nature, a unique way of experiencing basketball, the passion of our fans and forward-looking projects. Our plan is not merely that of having two countries willing to organize parts of an event. The vision is to organize a unique and unrepeatable World Cup by joining the power of two countries and employing the advantages of multi-hosting under a single model of development and management. 

What are for you the main takeaways from FIBA's recent site workshop?

We are clear about the importance of the World Cup for FIBA. During the whole process, and especially in the days of the June workshop, we checked the level of precision, professionalism and meticulousness required to opt to be organizers of this great event. This point, no doubt, holds us responsible but at the same time motivates us to follow the path with more strength and determination.

There are no people in the world that live basketball in the way that Argentinians and Uruguayans do. We know that the competition is going to be hard and we also know that the requirements to be chosen are going to be very demanding. However, that does not frighten us. Our project, and we shared it with the FIBA delegation that visited us, is unique. We think it is time for the biggest world basketball event to return to the American continent. We have a sustainable, modern and profitable project. Above all we want to think about those who lead the show and we hope to leave an indelible mark on the future of our sport. This is our commitment and we hope to deliver it in the future.

FIBA