The Philippines along with Japan and Indonesia will co-host the 2023 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup. This is after the FIBA Central Board decided in favor of the bid of the three countries today, December 9.
The Philippines represented by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) with co-hosts Japan and Indonesia made the final pitch in Switzerland prior to the decision.
The 2023 FIBA World Cup is going to be the first FIBA World Cup to be hosted in Indonesia, and the second to be hosted in both Philippines (1978), and Japan (2006). This is the first time FIBA World Cup will be hosted in three different countries.
The tournament is expected to have 32 competing teams from FIBA Africa, FIBA Americas, FIBA Asia and FIBA Oceania, and FIBA Europe.
The 55,000-seat Philippine Arena is the proposed venue for the semifinals and final of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
It is going to be fun…very fun#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/AV0CGETx85— Sportando (@Sportando) December 9, 2017
Among the expected venues are Philippine Arena, Smart Araneta Coliseum, SM Mall of Asia Arena, PhilSports Arena in Philippines; Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia; and Okinawa Arena in Okinawa, Japan.
The Philippine Arena was the proposed venue for semi-final and final matches.