Photo from FIBA
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines was named as the host of the 2027 FIBA Women's Asia Cup.
The FIBA Regional Office-Asia announced the development Thursday, marking the country's hosting of a continental-level hoops event in over a decade.
The last time Philippines hosted an Asian-level contest was in 2013, when Manila became the venue for the FIBA Asia Championship.
The country also hosted the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 just years ago.
“We are excited to return to the Philippines for a FIBA Asia event,” said FIBA Executive Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian.
“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,” he added.
SBP President Alfredo S. Panlilio sees the move as "perfect timing," citing women's basketball's "great momentum" in the country.
“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is proud to be the host for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027. 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,” said Panlilio.
“The timing is perfect for the Philippines to host this competition as women’s basketball in the country currently has great momentum behind it with the foundation of a women’s professional league and some of our national team players getting opportunities to play abroad,” he added.