The city council intends to authorize the director of the municipal agency “Rīga investment and tourism agency” to sign a financing agreement and other related documents with the association of “EuroBasket 2025” organizers “Latvijas Basketbola savienē”, certifying the consent of the municipality of Riga state city to the holding of the final tournament of the European men’s basketball championship in Riga.
A total of 1.5 million euros is planned for co-financing in the budget of the Riga municipality. Of these, one million euros will be allocated from the 2024 budget program for measures promoting competitiveness and economic growth.
The funds are intended for the organization of the group tournament and final stage games in Riga and for covering the expenses of the sports base.
The aforementioned draft decision is scheduled to be viewed this week at the meeting of the education, culture and sports committee of Riga City Council. The final decision must be taken at the meeting of the Riga City Council.
As reported, the final tournament of the 2025 European Championship will take place from August 27 to September 14, 2025, and 24 teams will participate in it, which will be divided into four six-teams in the first stage. One group tournament each will be held in Riga, Limassol (Cyprus), Tampere (Finland) and Katowice (Poland).
The four best teams of each group will qualify for the elimination tournament in Riga, where four rounds will be played - round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final, as well as the final game and the match for bronze medals.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sports Expert on EuroBasket 2025 in Riga
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our engaging discussion today on the upcoming EuroBasket 2025 event, with us is Dr. Anna Ievina, a sports management expert and consultant. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ievina.
Dr. Anna Ievina: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss EuroBasket 2025 and its implications for Riga.
Editor: To start off, can you share with us the significance of Riga hosting the final tournament of the European men’s basketball championship?
Dr. Ievina: Absolutely! Hosting EuroBasket is a monumental opportunity for Riga, not just in terms of sports, but also for the local economy and tourism. It puts the city on the map as a hub for international sporting events, showcasing Riga’s capability to host large crowds, and enhancing the city’s global reputation.
Editor: The Riga City Council has proposed a co-financing of 1.5 million euros for this event. In your view, how crucial is this financial investment for the success of EuroBasket 2025?
Dr. Ievina: This investment is pivotal. It not only demonstrates the city’s commitment to supporting the event but also helps in ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and marketing efforts are in place. Events like EuroBasket require significant funding to deliver a world-class experience—this goes beyond the games, including fan engagement, hospitality, and security measures.
Editor: You mentioned tourism—what impact do you foresee this tournament having on Riga’s tourism industry?
Dr. Ievina: Hosting EuroBasket 2025 will likely attract thousands of international visitors, greatly benefiting local businesses—from hotels to restaurants. The influx of tourists will allow Riga to showcase its culture and hospitality. Furthermore, the media coverage surrounding such a prestigious event can stimulate interest in Riga as a tourist destination long after the tournament concludes.
Editor: What are some potential challenges that the city may face in organizing such a significant event?
Dr. Ievina: One major challenge could be logistical coordination. With large crowds, ensuring smooth transportation, security, and crowd management will be critical. There could also be challenges related to venue preparation, ensuring the Arena is equipped and ready to meet international standards. Additionally, effectively marketing the event to attract fans from various countries will require a strategic approach.
Editor: As an expert, what advice would you give to the Riga investment and tourism agency in maximizing the potential of EuroBasket 2025?
Dr. Ievina: I’d advise them to foster strong collaborations with local businesses and international stakeholders, ensuring that the community is actively involved and benefits from the event. Additionally, creating engaging pre-tournament activities and leveraging social media will help build excitement. Further, they should ensure that there’s a solid legacy plan; how can the momentum created by EuroBasket be translated into long-term benefits for the city?
Editor: Those are insightful suggestions! As we look ahead, what do you personally hope to see from EuroBasket 2025 in Riga?
Dr. Ievina: I hope to see an exceptional event that brings together communities, celebrates sportsmanship, and leaves a lasting positive impact on Riga. It’s a chance to inspire the next generation of athletes, showcase regional talent, and create unforgettable memories for both residents and visitors.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ievina, for your valuable insights on EuroBasket 2025. It’s clear that this event is not just a sporting occasion, but a pivotal moment for Riga’s growth as a major European city.
Dr. Ievina: Thank you! I’m excited to see how it all unfolds!