By REYNALD MAGALLON
The Philippines has been awarded with the hosting rights to the 2027 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the world governing body to the sport announced on Thursday, July 3.
The announcement came with the approval of decisions made during the FIBA Asia Board meeting held on June 26, among which the holding of the continental tiff to the Philippines – more than a decade since it last hosted one back in 2013.
“We are excited to return to the Philippines for a FIBA Asia event,” said FIBA Executive Director-Asia Mr. Hagop Khajirian in a statement.
“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.
The Philippines last hosted a FIBA Asia Cup tournament was back in 2013 when the continental showcase was still called the FIBA Asia Championships. Gilas Pilipinas placed second in that tournament, earning a ticket to the 2014 World Cup in Spain.
From there, the Philippines has become part of the next two World Cups including the 2023 edition which it co-hosted with Japan and Indonesia.
As for the part of the women’s team, Gilas earned a spot to the Division A in 2017 and has since been part of the elite group including the upcoming 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China.
