DOHA (Qatar) – With exactly 300 days to go until the start of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, the Official Tissot Countdown Clock was unveiled today in Doha, marking another important milestone on the road to basketball's flagship global competition.
As Qatar prepares to host the first FIBA Basketball World Cup in the MENA region, an entire city has started counting down each day together, in anticipation of what promises to be an incredible event next year.
At an exclusive launch ceremony at the stunning Barahat Msheireb, a vibrant gathering place in the heart of Doha for residents and visitors alike, close to 100 guests gathered to celebrate the occasion and begin the countdown to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. Located within Msheireb Downtown Doha, one of Qatar's most visited destinations, the open area welcomes large numbers of people throughout the year, making it a fitting setting for the countdown to basketball's biggest global tournament.
Distinguished guests from FIBA and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Local Organizing Committee, alongside ambassadors and key stakeholders, came together to mark the milestone and celebrate the journey towards tip-off.
Those on hand at the ceremony included FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani; Vice President of the Local Organizing Committee and Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain; Director General of the Local Organizing Committee Dr. Ahmad Abdulla Al-Buenain; Chair of the Board of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Burton Shipley; FIBA Hall of Famer and Turkish Basketball Federation President Hidayet Turkoglu; and other dignitaries and special guests.
The centerpiece of the evening was the Official Tissot Countdown Clock, prominently positioned in Barahat Msheireb against the iconic backdrop of the district's architecture.
Inspired by basketball's global reach and the anticipation of the countdown, the design of the Tissot countdown clock combines the form of a giant hoop with a front arch that also evokes a watch face, smoothly connecting sport and time.
The open, walk-through structure invites visitors to experience the sculpture from within, creating an immersive encounter. The interconnected net pattern represents diverse cultures and communities, symbolizing how basketball brings them together, while the scale of the clock celebrates the sport's worldwide impact.
Dr. Ahmad Abdulla Al-Buenain, Director General of the Local Organizing Committee for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, said: "Reaching 300 days to go brings us another step closer to welcoming the world to Qatar. The Tissot countdown clock in Msheireb is a symbol of our shared anticipation, connecting our community with basketball fans worldwide. We look forward to a FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 that celebrates the game, brings people together and inspires the next generation".
He added: "All competition venues were fully ready by the one-year-to-go milestone, building on the significant legacy of the international sporting events Qatar has hosted over the years. We aim to ensure that the tournament leaves a sustainable legacy by promoting basketball, identifying and developing national talent, creating more opportunities for young people to play the game, and making use of our facilities and organizational expertise to host future events."
He continued: "Over the coming months, leading up to the opening game on August 27, we will celebrate key milestones and unveil our plans to deliver an exceptional edition of the tournament, giving fans the opportunity to attend more than one game a day, thanks to the close proximity of all competition venues within a single city."
Burton Shipley, Chair of the Board of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, commented: "The unveiling of the Tissot countdown clock heightens anticipation even further for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 and will also add even more momentum towards next year's tip-off.
"We are grateful to our longstanding Global Partner Tissot for their support in bringing this landmark countdown installation to life in collaboration with the Local Organizing Committee. The clock will provide a daily reminder of the excitement building towards the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.
"We have been working on the event for many years and now we are entering the last phase to ensure it is an unforgettable World Cup for everyone to enjoy, from the players, coaches, staff and fans, to our proud and respected hosts, here in Qatar."
As FIBA's longstanding Global Partner, Tissot recently signed a multi-year extension to continue into a third decade.
Tissot CEO, Sylvain Dolla, was pleased to see the countdown clock unveiled and stated: "We are delighted to add to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 through this countdown clock, bringing fans together as we count down to tip-off. As the tournament's Official Timekeeper, we are honored to be part of every second of the experience, from the anticipation leading up to the event to the unforgettable moments on the court.
"It gives us great pride to be able to be FIBA's longstanding Global Partner and to place Tissot at the heart of the biggest global basketball competition on the planet. We deeply value having our brand associated so strongly with such a prestigious tournament, and we can't wait to see the best players in the world gathering in Doha next year."
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 takes place from August 27 until September 12, 2027, with tickets available here.
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About the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 The 20th edition of FIBA’s flagship men’s national team competition will be held in Doha, Qatar, from August 27 to September 12, 2027. Marking the first time the tournament is staged in the Middle East and the first time it is held entirely in one city, the event will bring together 32 national teams for basketball's biggest international competition.
For further information about the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, click here or follow the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About Tissot Tissot watchmakers blending tradition and pioneering spirit since 1853.
Nestled in the Swiss mountains of Le Locle, Tissot crafts watches that become the storytellers of life's voyage: it's not just the destination that matters, but the importance of the path filled with significant milestones and unforgettable memories. The brand's ambassadors, including American basketball star Damian Lillard, Italian motorcycling sensation Enea Bastianini, Slovenian cyclist Primož Roglič, and Chinese Actors Liu Yifei and Simon Gong exemplify the hours of dedication preceding one’s excellence. On a broader stage, Tissot also partners with the NBA, MotoGPTM, and the Tour de France as their Official Timekeeper. Discover Tissot’s collections: T-Touch, PRX, Le Locle. Every Swiss timepiece crafted embodies a fusion of heritage and innovation and stands as an enduring legacy defying the constraints of time. Going beyond watchmaking and timekeeping, Tissot accompanies individuals in every moment, celebrating not only the achievements but the journey itself.