APIA (Samoa) – The basketball spotlight returns to Apia this December with Samoa announced as the host of the FIBA U17 Oceania Cup and FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup.
These pivotal youth events mark the first step in the qualification pathway to the FIBA U18 Asia Cups in 2026 and ultimately the FIBA U19 World Cups in 2027. The top two placed teams in the men’s and women’s competitions qualify for the Asia events next year.
“These competitions represent a pivotal moment for our region, with both the FIBA U18 Asia Cups and FIBA U19 World Cup qualification representing key milestones in our youth pathway,” said Amanda Jenkins, FIBA Executive Director – Oceania. “Samoa have hosted FIBA events before and we are thrilled to be returning for this year’s edition of our pinnacle youth event.”
This is the first time Samoa has hosted both men’s and women’s U17 Oceania Cups, underscoring the nation’s growing leadership in regional basketball development. Samoa previously hosted the 2018 FIBA Polynesian Cups, as well as the basketball competition at the 2019 Pacific Games, delivering a vibrant and inclusive event that showcased the country’s capacity to host high-level international tournaments.
“We are honoured to welcome Oceania’s rising basketball stars back to Apia,” said Pualele Craig, President of the Samoa National Basketball Association. “Hosting the 2019 Pacific Games was a proud moment for our community, and we’re excited to build on that legacy by providing a world-class experience for athletes, officials, and fans. These events are more than just competitions, they’re a celebration of youth, culture, and opportunity.”
Samoa’s recent triumph over New Zealand in the previous FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup was a landmark moment, proving that Oceania’s emerging basketball nations are ready to challenge traditional powerhouses. Over the past few years, the Samoa National Women’s Team has continued to impress through FIBA Women’s Asia Youth events, showcasing resilience, talent, and a growing presence on the international stage.
FIBA and the Samoa National Basketball Association have also unveiled the official logo for the 2025 FIBA U17 Oceania Cup and FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup.
The emblem features six stars representing the six competing National Federations, Australia, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Guam, Fiji, and Samoa, alongside a vibrant Teuila flower, Samoa’s national flower. The Polynesian-inspired patterns honour Samoa’s heritage while embracing the diversity of the Oceania region, symbolising unity, pride, and the spirit of competition.
The FIBA U17 Oceania Cup and FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup is being hosted by the Samoa National Basketball Association in Apia from December 8 to 13. The event is supported by the Government of Samoa under the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, with the two teams qualifying for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup and FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
All games are livestreamed via the FIBA YouTube Channel in collaboration with BluWave Media.