Singapore is set to make history as it becomes the first Asian country to host the prestigious FIBA Intercontinental Cup. Beginning in 2023, the city-
Singapore is set to make history as it becomes the first Asian country to host the prestigious FIBA Intercontinental Cup. Beginning in 2023, the city-state will host the event for three consecutive years, following a new partnership between FIBA and Sport Singapore. This marks a significant expansion of the tournament into Asia, aligning the event with the evolving global basketball landscape.
The 33rd edition of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup will take place at the Singapore Sports Hub from September 21-24, 2023. The tournament has been rescheduled to better align with domestic leagues and international players’ calendars, ensuring a smooth integration with the global basketball schedule.
FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis expressed excitement over the partnership, saying, “This agreement serves both as the realization of a basketball dream that dates back generations and as a launchpad into the future era of global club basketball. Singapore, a melting pot of cultures, is the ideal place to bring that vision to life.”
The tournament will expand from four to six teams, with the inclusion of a Chinese club selected jointly by FIBA and the Chinese Basketball Association. The event will continue to feature the champions from four continental leagues, including the Basketball Africa League, the European Basketball Champions League, and the Basketball Champions League Americas. The NBA G League Ignite team, which prepares top prospects for the NBA Draft, has already been confirmed as one of the participants.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum expressed his excitement, noting that the FIBA Intercontinental Cup is a key showcase for top international club teams outside the NBA. “We’re thrilled to see the NBA G League Ignite and champions from Africa’s top league compete in Singapore, where there is a growing affinity for basketball.”
This announcement coincides with Singapore’s hosting of the FIBA 3X3 Asia Cup 2023, further cementing the country’s reputation as a world-class sporting hub. Sport Singapore Deputy CEO Toh Boon Yi shared his enthusiasm, highlighting the impact this event will have on local basketball. “Basketball has always been popular in Singapore, and hosting the FIBA Intercontinental Cup will inspire more people, especially youth, to engage with the sport.”
Spanish club Lenovo Tenerife are the current champions of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, while Real Madrid holds the record for the most wins, with five titles.
With the event scheduled to begin in September 2023, Singapore is poised to showcase its ability to host major international sporting events and further strengthen its global sporting credentials.
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