MANILA (Philippines) - The countdown to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 is already underway after the ball was formally handed to the Local Organizing Committee of the next edition in Qatar. 

Taking place during half-time of the showpiece FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Final in Manila, Mr. Manual V Pangilinan the Chair of the Philippines Local Organizing Committee firstly passed the ball to FIBA President Hamane Niang.

It was then passed to those responsible for overseeing what promises to be another memorable event in four years time - Mr Mohammed Saad Al Meghaiseeb, the President of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Sheikha Asma Al Thani, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Qatar Olympic Committee.

FIBA President Hamane Niang handing the ball to Mr Mohammed Saad Al Meghaiseeb

Qatar were announced as the next hosts of the FIBA Basketball World Cup earlier this year, with the tournament destined for success due to the many qualities identified in the bid. These included its compact geographical nature, unique flexibility with tournament venue scheduling to better serve the fans, as well as a strong emphasis on sustainability.  

21 delegates from the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Local Organizing Committee in Qatar came to Manila to participate in the FBWC Observer Programme that took place during the Final Phase of the event.

“We are very proud to receive the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 as the next hosts of this fantastic event, said Mr Mohammed Al Almoghaiseb. We are grateful to our colleagues in FIBA and the Philippines for giving us the opportunity to see closely the organizational delivery of the World Cup. Hosting such a huge event for one of the most popular sports in the world in is a huge honor for Qatar. It is another step in our sports vision, and we are committed to taking advantage of this opportunity to organize an exceptional experience for the teams and fans.”

FIBA