MIAMI (United States) – The inaugural edition of the Youth Basketball Champions League Americas (Youth BCL Americas) will be played in Argentina. Estadio Obras Sanitarias in Buenos Aires will host the inaugural edition of the competition from September 9-12, 2026, marking the launch of FIBA Americas' new U18 tournament aimed at promoting youth basketball development across the region. The tournament will feature four clubs: Paulistano (Brazil), Defensor Sporting (Uruguay), Academy of Central Florida (United States) and Obras Sanitarias (Argentina), which will serve as the host club. The Youth BCL Americas was officially unveiled by FIBA Americas in April as a competition platform for U18 players, providing young talent with international experience early in their careers. This tournament aims to raise development standards across the region while creating an environment that helps players prepare for higher levels of competition. The first edition will mark the starting point of a project that FIBA Americas plans to expand in the coming years. Beginning in 2027, the competition is expected to expand to additional countries and introduce national qualification pathways, broadening the reach of the Youth BCL Americas while progressively raising its level of competition.
FIBA