FIBA ASIA CUP

The Philippines will host the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup for the first time ever, with FIBA announcing on Thursday, July 3, that it has awarded the hosting rights for the 2027 edition of the continental tournament to the country.

This marks the first time the Philippines will host a FIBA Asia event in over a decade, with the last being the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship. That tournament saw Gilas Pilipinas reach the finals, finishing second to Iran and qualifying for the FIBA World Cup after a 36-year hiatus.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio expressed pride in the decision. “The federation has always been an ardent partner of FIBA in prioritizing the growth of women’s basketball, and it’s about time for the Philippines to do even more,” he stated.

FIBA Executive Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian also conveyed excitement, noting, “We believe hosting the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup event in the Philippines, where basketball has a passionate following, will help FIBA’s efforts to promote women’s basketball in Asia. The event will also serve as a boost to the SBP’s efforts to promote women’s basketball in the Philippines.”

Gilas Women, the national women’s basketball team, hopes to replicate a successful home run in 2027. Their best previous tournament finishes were fourth place in 1965 and 1984. In the most recent Women’s Asia Cup held in Sydney, Australia, in 2023, the Philippines placed sixth.

Panlilio believes the timing for hosting is ideal, citing “great momentum” for women’s basketball in the country, including the establishment of a women’s professional league and national team players gaining opportunities to play abroad.

Currently competing in the Jones Cup in Taiwan, Gilas Women are also preparing for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, China, from July 13 to 20. Ranked No. 44 in the world, the Philippine team faces formidable competition in Group B, battling against No. 2 Australia, No. 9 Japan, and No. 54 Lebanon.