New Opportunities Come Into View at FIBA Europe General Assembly

Last week’s FIBA Europe Assembly in Riga was attended by Chris Grant and Kieron Achara, BBF Chair and Technical Lead. Delegates from more than 40 National Member Federations considered topics including a drive to boost the progression of women in coaching and officiating, and received updates on topics ranging from the IOC’s decision to extend the 3X3 competitions for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics to preparations for this Summer’s men’s and women’s FIBA EuroBasket tournaments, both of which will see the participation of exciting GB teams. The FIBA Europe Board also awarded hosting rights for the 2029 men’s FIBA EuroBasket to Estonia, Greece, Slovenia and Spain, with the final phase to be played in Madrid.

Inevitably, much attention was devoted to the prospect of FIBA and the NBA teaming up to launch a new European club competition. FIBA Europe President, Jorge Garbajosa heralded the dawn of a new era in relations between the global Federation and the NBA and was bullish about the joint venture, saying: “This competition is going to happen. After 25 years’ suffering we now finally have the opportunity to build stability and growth.”

The BBF representatives joined other Federations likely to host franchises in considering how best to ensure the new competition will boost domestic leagues and contribute to the growth of all aspects of the game. Chris Grant said: “The passion of our fans and ourstatus as an international sporting superpower make it almost certain that Britain will become the home to at least one franchise. Our job will be to harness the profile, energy and capacity this generates and to make sure it contributes to the sustainability and success of the whole of British basketball ”.

The passion of our fans and ourstatus as an international sporting superpower make it almost certain that Britain will become the home to at least one franchise. Our job will be to harness the profile, energy and capacity this generates and to make sure it contributes to the sustainability and success of the whole of British basketball.Chris Grant

Kieron Achara, who is a graduate of FIBA Europe’s Time Out Programme supporting former players’ transition into leadership role, added:

Almost every topic discussed at the FIBA Europe General Assembly presented opportunities to strengthen and enhance the development of the game in Britain. As evidenced by the progress already made in aligning the resources and strategies of Scotland, Wales and England, we now have the unity of purpose to elevate British basketball both on and off the court. These are exciting times!Kieron Achara