Greece to host the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup in 2028

FIBA has awarded the hosting rights of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2028 for the first time to Greece.At the recent meeting in Bahrain, the Central Board recognized that the Hellenic Basketball Federation has built an impressive track record of hosting FIBA events, including one of last year’s hugely successful FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

The Federation is also a co-host of the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025, with the Final Phase set to be played in Piraeus. Additionally, the hosts for FIBA EuroBasket 2029 were confirmed recently, with hosting rights awarded to Greece, along with Estonia, Spain and Slovenia.

Greece will host the ninth edition of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup, with many of the best young guns in the global game gathering to demonstrate their skills and show why they will be the senior stars of the future.

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis stated: “The FIBA Central Board has acknowledged once again the ability of the Hellenic Basketball Federation to showcase our sport through their experience and high-quality hosting of FIBA events.

“A quick glance at past editions shows how the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup introduced to the world players like USA’s Bradley Beal, Croatia’s Mario Hezonja, Argentina’s Gabriel Deck, Australia’s Dante Exum, or a 15-year-old Cooper Flagg in 2022. With the 2028 edition grabbing the global spotlight only a few days before basketball takes the Olympic stage in Los Angeles, we are confident that Greece will provide a fitting backdrop for the amazing stars of tomorrow,” Zagklis added.

Before the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup action tips off in Greece, the 2026 edition of the competition will be held in Türkiye from June 27 to July 5.

The FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 will be played in Czechia from July 11 to 19. Additionally, Indonesia was recently awarded the hosting rights for the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2028.

Frederick Marfo

Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.