The Philippines’ co-hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is not just about the competition on the hard court. It is also a celebration of the Filipino culture and hospitality and a statement on the important role that the country plays in the continuous development of basketball.

Before the start of the games, delegates from all over the world, representing their national federations, will join the FIBA Congress Manila 2023 (FIBA Congress). During this two-day event at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila (Sofitel Manila), the future of basketball as a global sport will be mapped out by its movers and shakers.

On August 23, two days before the start of the competitions, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will welcome 350 attendees composed of FIBA Central Board Members, national federation delegates, and Local Organizing Committee guests.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard “Dicky” Bachmann will be opening the proceedings with a short speech. After the FIBA Congress Plenary, the day will be capped with the FIBA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. It will feature the induction of Filipino basketball legend Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga into the Hall of Fame alongside Yao Ming and 10 other personalities from various member nations, who have contributed heavily to the growth of the sport.

The second day of the FIBA Congress will be held on August 24 still at Sofitel Manila.

On day two, there will be breakout sessions to further empower the national federations to strengthen their respective programs that are all aligned with FIBA’s goals.

There will be sessions on FIBAPLUS Fundamentals, which is a program that supports the empowerment of national federations through interactive seminars.

Another focus of the FIBA Congress is Basketball for Good, a program that aims to empower, educate and inspire the youth. Sessions on Safeguarding, Sustainability, and Integrity, as well as Women in Basketball, will also be tackled along with FIBAPLUS Performance, which helps federations put in place strategies to improve their capacity to organize, professionalize, and commercialize basketball activities, and thus ensure the successful development of the game in countries.

All the breakout sessions of the FIBA Congress are about empowering national federations to further harness the growth of basketball all over the world.

The games of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup begin on August 25, with a pair of games each at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan and the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Tickets are available at ticketnet.com.ph (Philippine Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum) and at smtickets.com (SM Mall of Asia Arena).