The Philippines has successfully hosted the FIBA World Cup 2023, the biggest and most prestigious basketball tournament in the world. The country has impressed both local and international fans, players, officials, and media with its excellent organization, facilities, hospitality, and passion for the sport.
The FIBA World Cup 2023, which ran from August 25 to September 10, featured 32 teams from six continents competing for the coveted Naismith Trophy. The Philippines hosted the Group Phase and the Final Phase of the tournament, while Japan and Indonesia co-hosted the other groups.
The Philippines set a new record for the highest live attendance in a single game, with 55,000 fans filling the Philippine Arena in Bulacan to witness the opening ceremony and the first game of Gilas Pilipinas against Italy on August 25. The country also showcased its state-of-the-art and history-laden sports venues, such as the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, and the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
The Philippines also received praise for its excellent handling of the FIBA Congress Manila 2023, which was held on August 23 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The congress was attended by more than 150 delegates from 156 national federations, as well as FIBA President Horacio Muratore, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, and FIBA Executive Director David Crocker.
The country also provided first-class hotel accommodations and transport services for the participating teams, officials, media, and guests. The hotels were located near the playing and practice venues, and the buses were efficient and comfortable. The security was also round-the-clock and tight, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
The country also delivered a memorable game experience for both the players and the fans. The games were exciting and competitive, with some thrilling upsets and close finishes. The fans were loud and supportive, cheering not only for their own team but also for other teams that showed great performance and sportsmanship. The entertainment was also colorful and vibrant, with cultural performances, musical acts, and celebrity appearances.
The country also achieved excellent broadcast coverage, reaching millions of viewers around the world through various platforms. The games were aired live on free TV, cable TV, online streaming, and social media. The games were also complemented by expert analysis, commentary, interviews, highlights, and features.
The country also demonstrated its detailed organization by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the FIBA World Cup 2023 Local Organizing Committee (LOC). The organizers were professional, dedicated, and responsive to every concern. They also coordinated well with FIBA and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and successful hosting.
The country also showed its accommodating on-the-ground staff, who were friendly, helpful, and courteous to everyone. They were always smiling, warm, and ready to find solutions for any problem. They also represented the Filipino culture of hospitality and service.
These are just some of the major qualities that earned the nod of two high-ranking FIBA executives halfway through the staging of the FIBA World Cup 2023. David Crocker, FIBA World Cup 2023 Executive Director, gave the country's lead hosting high marks as he said: "The [LOC] has delivered on every front. The experience of the players and the fans, which are the top priorities of the World Cup, have received only high praise."
SBP President Al Panlilio and Vice President Ricky Vargas also expressed their satisfaction with the hosting as they said: "It's best to get feedback from the delegates. But from what we've been told, it's all positive. From the time they stepped on the airport, all the way to the hotel, the treatment of the people, they are all smiling, very warm, and they find solutions for you."
The Philippines has proven once again that it is a basketball-loving nation that can host a world-class event like the FIBA World Cup 2023. The country has made history, made friends, a
nd made memories that will last a lifetime.