Australia secures hosting of 2022 Women’s basketball World Cup
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has selected Australia as the host nation for the 2022 Women’s basketball World Cup.
FIBA, the world governing body for basketball, announced overnight that Basketball Australia and the New South Wales Government have won the bid to host the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup at Sydney Olympic Park over ten days in September and October of 2022.
As the host nation, Australia will earn automatic entry into the 19th edition of the tournament, which will also mark the first time Australia has hosted a FIBA World Cup event since 1994. Australia was awarded the tournament over finalist Russia in a vote by the FIBA Central Board today.
The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is played every four years. It is the largest international women’s basketball competition, bringing together 144 of the best players on the planet representing 12 basketball powerhouse nations for 38 games across the tournament.
FIBA Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis advised “this is a tremendous opportunity for the city of Sydney to both promote and take women’s basketball to the next level. 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.”
Basketball Australia Chief Executive, Jerril Rechter enthused “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.
“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.”
Basketball Australia Board Chair, Ned Coten also advised “our vision is to deliver a FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup that exceeds expectations, inspires the next generation and celebrates women in sport, creating a lasting legacy. Basketball is one of the few sports in Australia with the possibility of achieving gender parity in the future and we believe this event could help us work towards this vision.”
The Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals will compete against 11 of the best teams from across FIBA’s regions – Asia & Oceania, Americas, Africa and Europe.
NSW Minister for Tourism, Stuart Ayres added "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.
“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."
The Opals, currently number two in the FIBA World Rankings, have a history of strong World Cup performances. Australia is one of only four countries to win the Women’s Basketball World Cup title since the event’s inception in 1953, which they claimed in 2006. The Opals won Silver in the last World Cup and have medalled in every tournament since 1986, with the exception of 2010.
Basketball Australia Head of Women’s Basketball, Lauren Jackson also commented “in such an uncertain time, this announcement gives us hope and inspires our next generation to know that women’s sport and women’s basketball will not stand still, it will continue to grow and continue to forge pathways and opportunities in this country.”
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.
The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 is supported by the NSW Government through tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, and the Office of Sport.
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