FIBA, the world governing body for basketball, has announced overnight that Basketball Australia and the New South Wales Government have beat Russia, in a vote by the FIBA Central Board, to host the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup at Sydney Olympic Park over ten days in September and October of 2022.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the city of Sydney to both promote and take women’s basketball to the next level,” said Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General. “We witnessed many successes at the last World Cup, and I am sure that in 2022 we will see even more. We are looking forward to a fruitful cooperation over the next two years in planning for this pinnacle event.”
The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is played every four years. It is the biggest international women’s basketball competition in the world, bringing together 144 of the best players on the planet representing 12 basketball powerhouse nations for 38 games across the tournament.
“We are delighted that Sydney will host the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and that Australian basketball fans will get the opportunity to see some of the world’s best players compete for one of the most prestigious titles in our sport,” says Basketball Australia CEO, Jerril Rechter.
“The fact that Australia was selected to host this incredible competition is a testament to the outstanding calibre of basketball talent in our country, the tireless work of our players, coaches and administrators and the passion Australians have for the game.”
The Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals will compete against 11 of the best teams from across FIBA’s regions – Asia & Oceania, Americas, Africa and Europe.
“Sydney will provide a fantastic backdrop for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022, from our world-class sporting facilities to the sights and lifestyle experiences our Harbour City has to offer visitors and viewers from around the globe,” says Stuart Ayres, NSW Minister For Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney. “This event supports the NSW Government’s commitment to secure 10 World Cups in 10 years and will deliver a significant return for the NSW economy through visitation and profile.”
FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 Pre-Qualifying Tournaments will be held in November 2021 to qualify for one of the four global FIBA Qualifying Tournaments in February 2022, which will ultimately determine the final 12 participating countries who’ll take the court in Sydney.
