WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WORLD CUP COMES TO AUSTRALIA
Sydney wins the bid to host the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup
Basketball’s international governing body FIBA has announced Australia as the next host of the biggest event in women’s basketball: the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2022.
The tournament, held every four years, brings together the 12 top national teams to compete over a packed schedule of 38 games.
Australia’s national team the Opals, were the runner’s up to tournament champions the USA in the 2018 World Cup, and currently sit in second place on the FIBA World Rankings. Australia’s role as host ensures the Opals will have automatic entry to the event.
Commenting on the announcement last year, Basketball Australia CEO, Jerril Rechter, said: “The fact that Australia was selected to host this incredible competition is a testament to the outstanding calibre of basketball talent in our country, the tireless work of our players, coaches and administrators and the passion Australians have for the game.”
The World Cup will take place over 10 days in September and October 2022, across two venues in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct. It will be an opportunity for Australian basketball fans to witness the prowess of 144 of the best and brightest players from around the world.
It will also be an opportunity for Australia to take the lead in promoting women’s basketball to the world.
Lauren Jackson, Head of Women in Basketball at Basketball Australia and newly minted Australian Basketball Hall of Famer, said last year: “This announcement gives us hope and inspires our next generation to know that women’s sport and women’s basketball will not stand still. It will continue to grow and continue to forge pathways and opportunities.”
Regional pre-qualifying games for the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup begin in November 2021.