PARIS – The FIBA Europe Board concluded its ninth meeting in Paris on Friday, charting a course for the future of basketball across the continent. Hosted by the French Basketball Federation (FFBB), the meeting brought together key figures including FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa, FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, and FIBA Executive Director Europe Kamil Novak. Discussions ranged from upcoming tournaments and youth development programs to navigating geopolitical challenges impacting the sport.
The meeting opened with a tribute to Jean-Pierre Hunckler, President of the FFBB and host of the event, recognizing his contributions to the sport in France. Garbajosa highlighted the success of European teams qualifying for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, with France and Türkiye among those securing their spots. This success underscores the growing strength of women’s basketball within Europe, a trend FIBA is actively seeking to build upon.
Still, the discussions weren’t solely focused on on-court achievements. Garbajosa also acknowledged the increasingly complex global landscape, emphasizing the need for unity within the European basketball family to address potential challenges arising from ongoing conflicts worldwide. This acknowledgement signals a proactive approach to ensuring the stability and continuity of competitions and development programs in the face of uncertainty.
Preparing for the 2026 Women’s World Cup and Beyond
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, slated to be held in Berlin, Germany. Secretary General Zagklis provided an update on the event’s progress, noting particularly promising ticket sales. FIBA’s official website details the ongoing preparations and provides information for potential attendees. Zagklis also outlined updates to the comprehensive FIBA players insurance program, a crucial element in safeguarding the well-being of athletes.
FFBB President Jean-Pierre Hunckler flanked by Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani and Jorge Garbajosa
Investing in Grassroots Development
FIBA Europe is also heavily invested in long-term development, as evidenced by updates on several key programs. Executive Director Novak announced that June 2026 will mark the launch of the TIME-OUT 4.0 program, building on the success of previous iterations. The Board approved the integration of three initiatives – Her World Her Rules (HWHR), the Youth Development Fund (YDF), and Alley-Oop – into the FIBA Europe Hoop For Schools Project, streamlining efforts to bring basketball to more young people across the continent. These programs aim to increase participation and foster a love for the game at the grassroots level.
Looking ahead, the 2026 FIBA Europe Mini Basketball Convention is scheduled for June 4-7 in Skopje, North Macedonia, although the U14 Get Together will take place in Tallinn, Estonia, from October 9-11. These events provide valuable opportunities for coaches, players, and administrators to connect, share knowledge, and advance the sport.
Competition Formats and Future Bidding Processes
The Board also reviewed the progress of several ongoing and upcoming competitions. The new format for the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers, which began in November 2025, has been well-received, generating positive feedback and some unexpected results. The second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers, held from February 23 to March 3, 2026, saw strong fan engagement, with 17 arenas selling out and significant media coverage.
Planning for future events is already underway. The bidding process for the 2029 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket is on track, with the bidding phase expected to begin in the summer of 2026 and a host selection anticipated by March 2027. Preparations are also progressing for the 2029 EuroBasket and the various club competitions, including the EuroLeague Women, EuroCup Women, FIBA Europe Cup, and the Basketball Champions League, which will hold its Final Four in Badalona.
New Initiatives and Addressing Current Challenges
FIBA is also looking to innovate with new initiatives. The Board received a presentation on the FIBA Masters Project, a competition designed for players over the age of 40, set to launch in Greece in June 2026. This initiative caters to a growing segment of the basketball community and provides opportunities for continued participation at a competitive level.
Addressing current challenges, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Israeli clubs and national teams by continuing to host their home games in neutral venues due to the ongoing situation in Israel. A working group has been established to monitor and address the situation surrounding the Great Britain Basketball Federation, working towards a stable future for the organization. The Board also discussed developments regarding non-recognized leagues in Europe, aiming to maintain the integrity and consistency of FIBA-sanctioned competitions.
The next FIBA Europe Board meeting is scheduled to take place as part of the FIBA Europe General Assembly 2026, from May 15-16 in Reykjavik, Iceland. This meeting will provide a further opportunity to review progress, address emerging challenges, and shape the future of basketball in Europe.
FIBA, the world governing body for basketball, comprises 212 National Basketball Federations and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the sole authority in the sport. More information about FIBA can be found on their official website.
The decisions made in Paris this week demonstrate FIBA Europe’s commitment to fostering growth, ensuring fair play, and navigating the complexities of the modern sporting landscape. The focus now shifts to implementing these plans and preparing for the next key milestone: the FIBA Europe General Assembly in Reykjavik next year.
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