The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup is coming to the Philippines in 2023. The association announced on Saturday that the country, in a joint bid with Japan and Indonesia, will host the event.
The Philippines was represented by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) led by President Al Panlilio, Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan, and coach of the Philippines’ national basketball team Chot Reyes.
The final pitch was done last Saturday to the FIBA Central Board in Switzerland.
The Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia beat out a proposal by partners Argentina and Uruguay.
According to ABS-CBN News, the Philippines will host the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the finals.
The country will also be the venue for 16 participating countries’ group round games while Japan and Indonesia will each host games of eight countries.
The Philippine Star reported that some possible venues for the games are the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, and the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, a province north of Metro Manila.
Two years ago, the Philippines proposed to host the 2019 World Cup but it was eventually granted to China.
The last time the Philippines hosted the FIBA World Cup was in 1978. 32 countries will participate in the event that is held every four years.
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