FIBA analyses, approves, pushes forward

The 2025 Mid-Term Congress in Bahrain concluded on Sunday on a positive note for the organisation, which continues to grow while clarifying its priorities for the period ahead. Economic stability, the promotion of women's basketball and unwavering support for national federations are key pillars.

The weekend's final working session of the International Basketball Federation in Manama was the board meeting of the FIBA Foundation, held just before the 165 national delegations departed the country. Since last Wednesday, they had been engaging with central leadership, exchanging ideas and joint initiatives to support basketball's growth.

Europe, Africa, Oceania, Asia, the Americas... all five continents were represented, each contributing their perspective shaped by their own traditions, structure, history, and customs. Basketball is the common language, but it is clear that each region has its own identity and requires tailored approaches.

FIBA presented its data, goals, and projects last Friday in the joint meeting of all federations. In addition to revealing financial figures that underscore the organisation's strength, studies were shared demonstrating exponential growth in media coverage and fan engagement. Basketball is now a top-tier sporting option for fans and participants alike, as evidenced by unprecedented figures from the last Olympic Games—basketball ticket sales for the Paris tournament accounted for 10% of all tickets sold across all sports.

FIBA's strong relationship with the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) made it possible to host this Congress, which showcased its strength and ambitions for further growth, including the expansion of sponsors and partners.

The unanimous approval of several amendments to the Statutes reflected the support of the federations for the direction taken by the central leadership. The budget surpluses achieved in both 2023 and 2024 may be reduced in 2026 due to FIBA's firm commitment to supporting the 2026 Women's Basketball World Championship in Germany - an event that will receive significant investment.

On Sunday, the federations said their goodbyes as they left Manama for their home cities, armed with ideas and initiatives for the next phase. All agreed that the development of the sport depends on greater support for women's competition. However, on this point, the central leadership highlighted the national federations as key players. 

The future of young talent and the opportunity for athletes to reach the top level depends on solid planning from the grassroots - from regional and national leagues upwards. For this reason, FIBA aims to support initiatives that emerge from each region, as this increases opportunities and commitment. Two-way communication between regional bodies and national and international leadership is essential.

Another topic discussed in recent days was the digital strategy - responding to the need to engage a new generation of fans who demand and consume content in new ways. FIBA is already ahead of the curve, having established partnerships with companies that are launching platforms for fan interaction. This is the way forward.

The 3x3 format and the importance to be given to it was also highlighted, especially as it has increased its Olympic quota for Los Angeles - a sign of its growing influence. The message from the Bahrain Congress was clear: national federations need to take this seriously, with dedicated staff and departments. FIBA will support them. It won't happen overnight, but it is clearly another way to Olympic and international success. Qualification systems for LA28 were also discussed during the Congress.

The Foundation's work in preserving the lasting legacy of basketball around the world was also evident. Mr T.J. Pollock, FIBA's Head of Development, noted that this year's Hall of Fame ceremony in Bahrain featured a special museum with never-before-seen basketball memorabilia, as well as entertainment at the Bahrain National Theatre - making it different from previous editions. 

The event was a highlight of the Congress and underlined the country's growing role as a host of major sporting events and a promoter of global cultural and sporting exchange. The new period thus begins with clearly defined priorities and a roadmap, as well as the defence of the interests of the national federations - "the heart of FIBA", as Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said. 

One of the issues to be examined in the coming period is the trend of players moving to NCAA universities.  This is a growing phenomenon as athletes are attracted by the financial opportunities on offer. "The NCAA is no longer primarily an academic experience," said the General Secretary. 

FIBA wants to protect the initial investment made by modest clubs in player development, and the concept of an "authorisation letter" outlining contractual requirements is gaining ground. The future of young players can be improved, but there must be safeguards for grassroots clubs and national teams, and this must be formally documented, its leaders convened.

In all, there is a lot of work to be done. However, as FIBA President Sheikh Saud Bin Ali Al-Thani said in his closing speech, "Two years of great hope lie ahead for basketball."