MIES (Switzerland) – What began as the stage for unforgettable moments at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 is now creating impact far beyond the game.
Following the successful auction of pieces of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 game court, more than EUR 17,500 has been donated to the FIBA Foundation to support Basketball For Good projects around the world.
Managed by MatchWornShirt (MWS) in cooperation with FIBA Global Technical Supplier Junckers, the initiative offered fans, collectors, and members of the global basketball community the unique opportunity to own an official flooring piece, which was certified and secured with Fabricks Technology and an NFC chip, ensuring its provenance and authenticity.
The response to this campaign was overwhelming, with all 100 items sold. Net proceeds from the auction, after logistical and operational costs, resulted in a donation of more than EUR 17,500 to the FIBA Foundation.
More than owning a piece of women's basketball history, it was also the chance to contribute to a cause that goes far beyond the court and create a lasting legacy. The funds will help further amplify the impact of the FIBA Foundation's Basketball For Good work, which uses basketball as a tool for education, health and well-being, social inclusion, gender equality, empowerment, and community development.
“Turning the court from the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 into something fans can own was a first for us, and the response was incredible. All 100 pieces found a home, with bids from 36 countries across four continents. Most importantly, it means €17,500 goes directly to the FIBA Foundation’s work. A piece of the court where history was made is now helping young people play for years to come,” expressed Tijmen Zonderwijk, Founder & CEO of MWS.
The project also highlights the power of collaboration across the basketball ecosystem. From providing the court to managing the auction, Junckers and MWS played a key role in turning an innovative idea into a meaningful legacy initiative.
“Junckers floors are engineered to perform at the highest level of sport. Seeing this court continue its journey beyond the tournament, in the hands of fans around the world while helping to support basketball at the grassroots level, gives it an even greater purpose. We are proud to have played a small part in this initiative and look forward to building on this commitment in the years ahead,” said Thomas Bendixen, CEO of Junckers
As the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 inspired players and fans around the world, the auction ensured that its impact extends beyond the tournament itself. By giving the court a second life, the initiative helps create new opportunities through basketball and contributes to the long-term legacy of one of the sport's premier events.
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About FIBA Foundation
The FIBA Foundation is the social and legacy arm of FIBA that addresses the role of sports and particularly basketball in society, preserving and promoting basketball’s values and its cultural heritage.
The FIBA Foundation believes that basketball has the power to empower, educate and inspire youth and facilitates this by implementing Basketball For Good projects around the world.
About Junckers
Junckers is a Danish manufacturer of premium hardwood floors with more than 90 years of experience. As a leading supplier of sports floors to elite venues, Junckers provides flooring solutions for international competitions across basketball, handball, volleyball and other indoor sports. The Junckers ProComplete 44 portable sports floor system was used at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026.
About MatchWornShirt
MatchWornShirt is the home of authentic match-worn & signed shirts. MatchWornShirt offers exclusive auctions in a wide range of sports, and is an official partner of over 300 clubs worldwide, bringing fans closer to the game with the best opportunities to own sports memorabilia.