SBP: 2023 Fiba World Cup sched ‘positive news’ amid pandemic

MANILA, Philippines — The announcement of the 2023 Fiba World Cup schedule was a breath of fresh air for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas amid the coronavirus disease pandemic.

The 2023 World Cup, which will be hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, will be held from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10, basketball’s international governing body said.

“This is certainly positive news as it is something to look forward to amidst the difficult situation that the entire world is facing right now,” SBP president Al Panlilio said in a statement Monday.

“Rest assured, your SBP officials will work hand in hand even with the limitations of the times to guarantee that our co-hosting of the tournament will be something that Filipino basketball fans will remember and will be proud of.”

The joint hosting marks the first time that the prestigious tournament, featuring the top 32 teams in the world, will be staged in more than one country.

Last year’s World Cup–won by Spain–was held across eight cities in China.

The qualification for the World Cup, where 80 national teams will vie for a coveted spot, begins in November next year and ends in February 2023.

The group stages will be held in all three countries while the Philippines will be the sole host from the quarterfinals onwards including the gold medal match.

Among the venues to be used here in the country are the newly-renovated PhilSports Arena in Pasig, Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay and 55,000-seater Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The Philippine team, which is making its third straight appearance in the World Cup, hopes to redeem itself in front of a hometown crowd after going winless in the tournament last year in China.