FIBA Central Board meeting highlights Women’s World Cup successes

MIES (Switzerland) – The FIBA Central Board meeting took place over two days this week at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball. The final meeting of the year coincided with the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Ceremony, also held at FIBA’s headquarters, which celebrated nine individuals that made enormous contributions to women’s basketball.

The following key topics were discussed during the meeting:

FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022

The Central Board approved the report of the recent FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022, which was held in Sydney, Australia. With a hugely successful event that achieved unprecedented broadcast, attendance, digital and social media numbers, the Central Board celebrated the numerous records that were broken on and off the court, as well as the recent announcement of the event achieving carbon neutral status.

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 and Qualifiers

Reports were received on the recent windows that have taken place for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifiers across the regions. Window 5 saw impressive crowds attending important qualifying games. The final window will be played in February 2023, with the journey to the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan nearly complete. Regarding the last game day of the Qualifiers, the Central Board decided that games which can potentially affect the qualification of other teams will be played at the same time.

Status reports were also received on preparations for the upcoming World Cup that tips off on August 25 and the Central Board also confirmed the Draw will take place in Manila, Philippines on April 29, 2023.

FIBA Youth World Cups

Following the decision on the FIBA Youth World Cups hosts 2024-2027, the Central Board received reports on the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup and FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup that were held in July and heard status reports on preparations for the upcoming FIBA U19 Basketball World Cups in Debrecen and FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Madrid.

FIBA Continental Cups

The FIBA AmeriCup 2022 in Brazil, and the FIBA EuroBasket 2022, hosted across the Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany and Italy, were both successfully executed in September. Detailed reports were presented to the Central Board on the numerous successes reached by these exciting events.

Paris Olympic Games 2024 and Qualification System

The Central Board received a report on the venues for the 2024 Olympic Basketball Tournaments, whereby the Final Phase is due to be held in the Bercy Arena in Paris.

Regarding the Group Phase, the Central Board has acknowledged the extraordinary reasons invoked by Paris 2024 and the International Olympic Committee regarding the hosting of the games in Lille. Considering the proximity of the Games and the significant joint efforts by all parties and their experts, it has been exceptionally decided to conditionally approve such venue, pending confirmation that the FIBA requirements are met, notably those relating to the health and safety of the players and the associated risks.

The Central Board also approved the bidding process and conditions for the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments due to take place from August 12 to 20, 2023.

Club Competitions

Updates were presented to the Central Board on the Basketball Champions League current season, which tipped off in October, the Basketball Champions League Americas fourth season, set to tip off in December, and the Road to BAL 2023 which was recently played from October 11 to November 27. A status report was also given on the newly formed West Asia Super League (WASL), which is scheduled to start on December 19.

3×3

An update was given to the Board on the soon-to-be complete FIBA 3×3 season, with the final stop, the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final 2022, taking place in Abu Dhabi on December 10 and 11. Additionally, the Central Board has confirmed that the FIBA 3×3 U23 Nations League will be converted into a Qualifier for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup, merging the FIBA 3×3 U23 Nations League Final with the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup.

Strategic Objectives and Basketball For Good

Status reports on the three strategic priorities of Empower National Federations, Women in Basketball and Enlarge FIBA Family were presented to the Central Board along with detailed updates from the FIBA Foundation on its Basketball For Good activities and the FIBA Equipment and Venue Centre.

Safeguarding Policy

A major step in FIBA’s efforts to advance its safeguarding and protection approach has been reached with the approval of the new Safeguarding Policy proposed by the Safeguarding Council chaired by HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein. This decision ensures that basketball is being accessed by anyone who wants to take part and enjoy the game in a fair and equitable safe space, free from all forms of harm and abuse, regardless of playing level.

Other matters

The Central Board confirmed that the FIBA Mid-Term Congress 2025 is to be held in Bahrain.

Following a proposal from FIBA’s President Hamane Niang, the Central Board has unanimously decided to extend the contract of Secretary General Andreas Zagklis until 2031.

The Central Board approved the Budget for 2023 and the plan until 2025.