FIBA Plans More 3×3 Basketball Events in China for 2024
FIBA’s 3×3 Head of Events and Partnerships, Ignacio Soriano, revealed that China, known for its active participation in 3×3 basketball events in 2023, will see an increase in such tournaments next year, further reinforcing the sport’s popularity in the country.
China has emerged as one of the most vibrant hosts for 3×3 basketball events in 2023, and a senior official from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has indicated that there will be an expansion of 3×3 tournaments in China in the upcoming year.
Ignacio Soriano, the FIBA 3×3 Head of Events and Partnerships, shared his insights with Xinhua at the FIBA Headquarters near Geneva following the conclusion of the 3×3 World Tour in Shanghai, China. He pledged to incorporate China into the 3×3 basketball calendar more frequently in the coming year, as reported by Xinhua.
Soriano stated, “China is one of the countries with a strong presence in professional-level activities. We’re going to have three (more) World Tours by the end of this year. We have hosted seven challengers and three women’s series. Essentially, we have organized every unique event within the competition network.”
The 3×3 World Tour will continue in Chengdu, China, on October 21-22, with another stop scheduled in Wuxi on November 4-5. Hong Kong, China, will also host an event as part of the 13 stops planned for 2023, taking place on November 25-26.
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The Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament is set to commence on November 1. The qualification process is based on the FIBA 3×3 Federation Ranking, where China is ranked first in the women’s category and third in the men’s category.
Soriano remarked, “As of October 16, the women’s team is ranked first globally, and the men’s team is third in the world. If the rankings were finalized today, they would secure direct qualification to the Olympic Games, both for men and women. This reflects that things are proceeding well in China.”
He also revealed ambitious plans for the next year, including the establishment of a super league within China. The objective is to maintain the same number of events next year, with expectations of even more events in the future.
3×3 basketball made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, where the Chinese women’s team clinched the bronze medal. China initiated its domestic 3×3 league in August 2022.
Soriano stressed that 3×3 basketball is highly accessible and versatile, making it an appealing sport. It doesn’t require licensing or extensive infrastructure, setting it apart from traditional 5×5 basketball.
He concluded by mentioning ongoing negotiations for the 3×3 World Cup in 2026, highlighting the commitment to delivering events that offer a unique blend of sports and entertainment experiences.