FIBA Intercontinental Cup enters a new chapter in its long history in 2023 when FIBA ​​and Sport Singapore agreed to a three-year partnership that will expand the event to include Asia for the first time in history.

The Singapore Sports Center will be the first venue to host the FIBA ​​Intercontinental Cup as it hosts the 33rd event, which will take place from 21 to 24 September 2023.

The event will take place in September to fit more effectively into the domestic and continental league calendar and the schedule of international players in order to better accommodate the participating clubs. In addition, FIBA ​​shows that it acts methodically and decisively. Participation of the Ignite team from NBA shows that the NBA considers FIBA ​​to be its most important partner worldwide. It is no coincidence that FIBA ​​representatives Andreas Zaglis and Patrik Komninos sat next to Adam Silver at the All-Star Game.

The opening of the Asian market and especially the market of Singapore, which decided to cooperate with FIBA ​​and indeed with the participation of a team from Chinashows the dynamics of development and the vision of FIBA ​​to create a globalized organization.

“This agreement serves as both the realization of a generational basketball dream and a launching pad into the future era of world club basketball. As a melting pot of cultures, Singapore is arguably the perfect place to bring this vision to life,” said FIBA ​​Secretary General Andreas Zaglis.

“First edition of the FIBA ​​Intercontinental Cup in 1966 it was an inspirational event conceived by visionaries. They conceived an event that would help bring different cultures together through basketball.but they only dared to dream that one day this event will develop to such an extent that clubs from all over the globe will compete in it,” he added.

The expansion will also come in the context of the participating teams, as the clubs that take part in Singapore in September will increase from four to six. A Chinese club jointly selected by FIBA ​​and the Chinese Basketball Association will be added. The sixth team to take part will be announced by FIBA ​​in the future.

Four groups champion of the Basketball African League (BAL), which is held in cooperation between FIBA ​​and the NBA, champion of the Basketball Champions League 2022-23. The 2022-23 American Basketball Champions League and NBA G League Ignite equivalent.a team founded in 2020 to produce the best young players that can be selected in the NBA draft.

“The FIBA ​​Intercontinental Cup is an important showcase for the best teams outside of the NBA and reflects the strength of professional basketball leagues around the world,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum. “We are delighted to have NBA G League Ignite and future African Basketball League Season 3 champions at this year’s tournament in Singapore, where we recently opened an office and interest in the game is growing,” he added.

“Building on the success of FIBA ​​3X3 Asia Cup 2022, we are delighted to host the FIBA ​​Intercontinental Cup, which will offer fans an exciting world-class game. Basketball, which is ranked among the top five sports in our survey, has always been a popular sport among Singaporeans,” said To Boon Yi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sport Singapore.

“In September 2023, Singapore will again showcase its excellence and innovation in the international sports arena as we welcome athletes, officials and fans from all over the world. The FIBA ​​Intercontinental Cup will be an important addition to our portfolio of events that promote the sport of our country for social and economic purposes,” added Mr. Toh.