“Paris 2024 Olympics: Navigating the Quota Challenge in FIBA’s 3×3 Basketball”
Discover FIBA’s stance on Olympic 3×3 basketball expansion, as secretary general Andreas Zagklis emphasizes stability over immediate growth.
The future expansion of the Olympic 3×3 basketball competition is not on the horizon, as stated by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis. During the annual year-end media conference, Zagklis emphasized that the recent expansion of the World Cup does not imply an imminent increase in Olympic team quotas.
The number of participating teams in both 5×5 and 3×3 basketball competitions is expected to remain constant for the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympics, according to Zagklis. Recent announcements for Los Angeles have indicated that there will be no increase in quotas for any sport, making it clear that the 3×3 basketball teams will not see an increase shortly.
Despite only having eight berths per gender for the 3×3 basketball at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Zagklis acknowledged the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) stance on maintaining a general cap of 10,500 athletes for the Olympic Games. He expressed concerns about the lack of universality and continent representation but recognized the unique nature of the Olympics as a multi-sport event.
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The FIBA Secretary General appreciated the IOC’s flexibility in scheduling Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs) to accommodate various basketball leagues’ seasons. While the FIBA 3×3 basketball OQTs are scheduled for May 2024, the 5×5 basketball OQTs are set to be played as late as July 7, just before the Paris Olympics commence on July 26, 2024.
Zagklis explained the challenges associated with late changes in team quotas, emphasizing the need to consider the logistical impact on the Olympic Village and transportation. He advocated for a more achievable and smaller quota, acknowledging the complexities of managing late alterations within the Olympic family.
Due to the smaller number of participating teams, host nation France was granted only one automatic berth in 3×3 basketball, with the women’s team earning an automatic qualification due to their higher world ranking. The men’s team will have to go through OQTs for a chance to compete at their home Olympics.
In conclusion, Zagklis expressed confidence in the excitement and talent level expected at the 3×3 basketball event in Paris 2024, anticipating four weeks of fantastic basketball from motivated and well-prepared teams.