QUEBEC CITY (Canada) - Canada's national team will take center stage in Quebec City this summer when the Videotron Centre hosts an Americas Qualifiers game for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.
The province has given the country two of its best players in recent times in 2024 Olympians Lu Dort and Khem Birch. Both were born in Montreal.
Dort, an NBA champion with the Oklahoma City Thunder, was also a big part of the Canada team that beat the USA in the Third Place Game at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila.
"I'm looking forward to our Senior National's Men's team playing in front of the Quebec City crowd," Dort said.
Basketball has grown so much in the province of Quebec
"Basketball has grown so much in the province, I'm excited to feel the energy at the arena in La Vieille Capitale and to see the fans there.
"It's a real blessing, and an honour, to play on home soil in front of family and friends, and hopefully inspire the next generation of hoopers in the province."
The occasion will be a big one for basketball in Quebec City, which last staged a game with its national team in 2018.
"With an expected NBA roster, we’re excited to reconnect with our fans in Quebec, a province that continues to develop high-level players, coaches and officials, while fostering one of the most passionate basketball communities in the country," said Michael Bartlett, President & CEO, Canada Basketball.
"We’re proud to showcase our program in Quebec City as we build momentum on home soil."
The game will be held during the fourth window of the Americas Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Canada have won all four of their First Round games, twice beating Bahamas in the first window, and also overcoming Puerto Rico and Jamaica in second.
Canada is home to some of the best basketball players in the world. Among them is Dort's Thunder teammate and Canada World Cup hero, Shai Gilgeous Alexander, last season's NBA MVP. Gilgeous Alexander is one of the frontrunners for this season's MVP award as well.
FIBA