BEIJING (China) - After three years full of highlights and memorable moments in Singapore, the FIBA Intercontinental Cup is turning a new page, as the event moves to Beijing, China.
The event tips off on September 22, giving us just enough time to introduce the six participating teams.
They will be divided in two groups of three teams. The top two teams will advance to the Semi-Finals (1A vs. 2B, 1B vs. 2A), while the bottom-placed teams from the two groups battle for fifth in the event.
The FIBA Intercontinental Cup will crown its new champion on September 27.
Last three events
Year | Champion | 2nd place | 3rd place | 4th place | 5th place | 6th place |
2023 | Sesi Franca (BRA) | Telekom Baskets Bonn (GER) | Zhejiang Golden Bulls (CHN) | Al Ahly (EGY) | NBA G League Ignite (USA) | Al Manama (BRN) |
2024 | Unicaja (ESP) | NBA G League United (USA) | Tasmania JackJumpers (AUS) | Al Riyadi (LBN) | Petro de Luanda (ANG) | Quimsa (ARG) |
2025 | Unicaja (ESP) | NBA G League United (USA) | Alahli SC (LBA) | Flamengo (BRA) | Illawarra Hawks (AUS) | Utsunomiya Brex (JPN) |
How did they get here?
There was already a rich tradition with the teams from the United States taking part at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, with the first appearance happening at the very first event in 1966, when the Chicago Jamaco Saints finished fourth, behind Varese (ITA), Corinthians (BRA) and Real Madrid (ESP).
The Akron Goodyear Wingfoots won three straight titles from 1967 to 1969, followed by the NABL All-Stars lifting the trophy in 1972. The Maryland Terrapins were champions in 1974, but that was the last time a US team climbed the top step of the podium.
In 2019, the Austin Spurs brought the nation back to this competition, with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Lakeland Magic and NBA G League Ignite continuing the tradition ever since.
However, it wasn't until the select team named the NBA G League United was assembled that the United States saw another Final.
In fact, the NBA G League United reached the championship game both in 2024 and 2025, entering the event in Beijing hoping the third time will be a charm.
Who are they facing in Beijing?
The reigning Finalists will enjoy an extra day off before they enter the court for the first time, facing the hosts Beijing Royal Fighters, with tip-off set at 7:30 a.m. (EST) on September 23.
A day later, the tip-off time remains the same as the G Leaguers face the winners of the Basketball Champions League Americas, Boca Juniors from Argentina.
Who are the players to watch?
Coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah is the one who is the most experienced here, having coached the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2020, finishing fourth in 2020.
Coach Abdelfattah is among the best young coaches in the United States, having won the NBA G League with the Vipers twice, as an assistant in 2019, and as the head coach in 2022, when he was also named the NBA G League Coach of the Year.
In Beijing, he will have Lester Quinones to lead the way offensively, as the guard averaged 22.5 points per game with the Qingdao DoubleStar over a couple of CBA games last season. Before that, he spent 50 games with the Osceola Magic in the G League, putting up 22.9 points per game on a 48-40-84 shooting split.
James Bouknight also made scoring a habit last season, with 19.7 points per game on nearly identical shooting (47-42-84) with the Capitanes in the G League, while Yuri Collins will be responsible for assists, as he averaged 10.2 of those with the Santa Cruz Warriors just two seasons ago.
The frontcourt belongs to Eric Dixon, a Villanova alumni who collected 21.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game with the Memphis Hustle, numbers similar to the ones in his final NCAA season.
Sean East II had a fine season with the Salt Lake City Stars (18.6 pts, 5.5 ast), while three others bring along overseas experience to this roster.
Jordan Johnson played all over Europe, from the Netherlands, through Kosovo, Great Britain, Germany, Türkiye and Slovakia, coming in after averaging 17.7 points and 5.7 assists in Germany last season.
Kylor Kelley and Jake Stephens are two seven-footers in the middle, Kelley with playing time in Great Britain, Denmark and Italy, and Stephens spending the last campaign with the three-time European Cup winners Split in Croatia.
Full roster
Schedule and tickets
You can find the full schedule here. Tickets are available here.