Doha: The Gulf basketball federations have unanimously agreed to provide full support to the State of Qatar and the Qatar Basketball Federation in their endeavor to host the 20th edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. This event will mark the first time the tournament is held in the Middle East and North Africa region, scheduled from August 27 to September 12, 2027.
According to Qatar News Agency, the heads of the Gulf basketball federations expressed their confidence in Qatar's capacity to organize the tournament effectively. This commitment was affirmed during a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Basketball Association and a consultative meeting of the federations' heads, attended by HE President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al-Thani. These meetings were hosted by the Qatar Basketball Federation in Doha.
The Gulf Basketball Association's Board of Directors discussed various cooperative initiatives among Gulf federations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. These include the exchange of expertise and training programs, technical cooperation through joint camps, friendly matches, and development programs for referees, statisticians, and coaches. Workshops and courses will also be organized to introduce new members of the Gulf federations to the principles of effective governance and to explain FIBA's rules and regulations to ensure efficient management.
Key topics for the association's plans for the upcoming year were also discussed, including the approval of the Gulf basketball championships agenda for the 2025-2026 season. Qatar is set to host the Gulf 3x3 Championship for under-21 and the Gulf U-18 youth basketball championship next year. Meanwhile, Bahrain will host the Gulf 3x3 Championship for U-21 boys and girls on November 19 and 20 this year, and the Gulf Women's Championship will be held in Saudi Arabia during the same month. Oman will host the Gulf 3x3 Championship for men on November 28 and 29 this year, and Abu Dhabi, UAE, will host the Fatima Bint Mubarak Gulf Academy Women's Cup next year.
During the meeting, Oman proposed the creation and organization of a U-14 tournament for girls, while Bahrain expressed interest in hosting the Gulf 5x5 Championship for men.
The meetings were attended by key figures including President of the Qatar and Gulf basketball federations Mohammed Saad Al Mughaiseeb, FIBA Executive Director Hagop Khajirian, Secretary-General of the Gulf federation, and Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, along with heads of the Gulf federations.
Al Mughaiseeb highlighted the meetings' objective to enhance cooperation between the Gulf federations and to develop basketball at all levels. He expressed pride in Qatar's role in organizing Gulf championships and supporting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, which represents a significant milestone for the sport internationally. He also stressed the importance of coordinating Gulf championship dates to avoid conflicts with student exams, ensuring a balance between academics and sports for young players.