NOUMEA, SUD (New Caledonia) - Tonga has created a defining moment in Oceania 3x3 basketball, winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the FIBA 3x3 Nations League 2026 – Pacific and qualifying two national teams for the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup for the first time in the country’s history.
The women were flawless across the entire campaign, not dropping a single game, while the men sealed their overall victory with only two losses on the final day in a gritty, high‑stakes finish that underlined their growth and composure.
This achievement continues Tonga’s rapid rise in the 3x3 format, following their strong performances at recent FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in Singapore. Earlier this year, the women’s team made history by advancing through to the main draw for the first time, a breakthrough that signalled their readiness to compete at a higher level and set the tone for their dominant Youth Nations League run.
Their momentum now carries into next month, where the Tonga women will represent the nation at the Commonwealth Games, marking another major milestone in the program’s evolution and visibility on the international stage.
“We’re proud of what our teams have been able to do across the campaign, especially to come away with both qualifying for the U23 World Cup, Tonga Basketball High Performance Director, Cahn Fitzgerald said. “But just as important is recognising the level of competition we faced. Every team brought intensity, physicality, and heart, which reflects the rapid growth of 3x3 across the Blue Pacific.
“We had to earn everything. Nothing came easy, and that’s what makes this result meaningful for us. The players were the embodiment of the Tonga Basketball creed: Tonga Mo’ui Li’oa (Life of Sacrifice; Always). They worked for this win - for each other, for their families, and most importantly, for the Kingdom of Tonga.”
With both teams now bound for the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in China later this year, Tonga will take its place on one of the sport’s most important youth stages, carrying the confidence of a historic campaign and the belief that they belong among the world’s rising 3x3 nations.
Their qualification also contributes valuable points to the FIBA 3x3 Federation Ranking, a system that directly influences Olympic pathways. But the impact extends beyond Tonga. Every federation that competed in this year’s Youth Nations League, including Fiji, New Caledonia, and Solomon Islands, added meaningful ranking points that strengthen the regions collective position ahead of Los Angeles 2028.
The accumulation of points across multiple nations is critical for the region’s long‑term competitiveness, ensuring more Oceania teams remain in contention for future World Cups, Asia Cups, and ultimately Olympic qualification.
FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins, said the progress across the region is the result of sustained commitment and opportunity.
“This year’s FIBA 3x3 Nations League – Pacific showed just how far Oceania National Federations have come in a short time. Every team contributed to the region’s ranking, every game mattered, and the level of play continues to rise.
Tonga’s success is historic, but it sits within a wider story of growth across the region, and that momentum is only getting stronger.
This year’s event closed with clear signs of progress, highlighted by Tonga’s historic sweep and the steady improvement shown by every federation throughout the series.
With qualification now secured and the next phase of international events approaching, teams shift their focus to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup and the wider 3x3 calendar, carrying valuable ranking points and meaningful competitive experience into the months ahead.