SBP needs P2.8 M for W. Cup bid

Following the success of the Fiba Asia Championship in Manila last year comes the ambitious venture to bring the 2019 Fiba World Cup on local turf.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Renauld “Sonny” Barrios said Wednesday the Philippines will officially join the hosting picture of the 2019 world championship when it formally submits its bid to the International Basketball Federation not later than tomorrow.

“I guess we could make the short list but there’s no guarantee. We’re waiting for more inputs before we reply to the questionnaire,” said Barrios.

Barrios said Mexico, Brazil, France, Germany, Russia, China, Turkey and three to four countries from the Eastern European block were also present during the workshop for interested bidders held in Madrid last month. Bidders are required to pay a participation fee of 50,000 euros (roughly P2.8 million) to be included on the list.

According to Barrios, the Fiba Central Board will pick the host in June 2015. June Navarro