FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 bid in focus: Russia

MIES, Switzerland (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023) - Thursday August 31 marked the deadline for candidates bidding to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 to submit their Candidature Files.

Russia and Turkey have each put forward single host nation bids, while Argentina/Uruguay and Indonesia/Japan/Philippines are teaming up in two multiple host countries candidacies.

FIBA's Central Board will award and announce the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 host(s) at its end-of-year meeting.

In the lead-up to the deadline, we give the floor to each bidder to talk about its candidacy.

Key facts about Russia and basketball

Population: 144.3 million (2016) Capital city: Moscow Joined FIBA in 1947. [/unordered]

Biggest basketball achievements to date

As Soviet Union (until 1990)

3-time FIBA Basketball World Cup winners (1967, 1974 and 1982) 2-time Olympic gold medalists (1972 and 1988) 14-time FIBA EuroBasket winners  [/unordered]

As Russia (since 1991)

1-time FIBA EuroBasket winners (2007) 2-time FIBA Basketball World Cup runners-up (1994 and 1998) 1-time Olympic bronze medalists (2012) [/unordered]

Proposed cities and venues

Moscow - VTB Arena Dynamo Central Stadium Saint Petersburg - Sibur Arena Kazan - Basket Hall Perm - Universal Sports Palace Molot  [/unordered]

Why did you decide to apply to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023?

The FIBA Basketball World Cup has never been staged in Russia or the Soviet Union. Russia has been successful in different types of national and international sports events, consistently finishing among the best countries at international competitions. As basketball is one of the most popular sports in modern Russia -alongside ice hockey and football - it is crucial for the young generation of fans and spectators for Russia to host the World Cup in 2023.

The Russian Basketball Federation (RBF) plans on putting in extra efforts into all facets of the World Cup's organization - from the systematic preparation of the national team to forging partnerships with local companies and committees. We understand that the World Cup is not limited to the game and its TV coverage, so we are prepared to make it a citywide celebration of basketball in our three biggest cities - Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Kazan. The quality of Russian basketball is on the rise, as is the performance of the Russian national and club teams.

We will run a series of workshops and charity events aimed at children in orphanages and foster homes by engaging basketball stars and legends.
As is customary in the biggest international sporting events, we will have fan zones that will give the opportunity to watch the best games in a comfortable setting for those who cannot attend the game in the venues. It will also serve as a modern and effective platform for networking between sponsors and partners of the World Cup.

We also plan on having our main basketball forum tour different cities of the country. Running ExpoBasket alongside the World Cup will create a unique basketball atmosphere all over the city. This event will not be forgotten by its residents and guest fans alike. The forum will also feature an extensive business program that empowers sports business representatives and high-profile individuals interested in basketball in Russia.

Why did you decide to host FIBA's flagship event as a single host? What are the benefits that you see in doing so?

The FIBA Basketball World Cup is a unique opportunity to deliver a message to parents and children that will encourage them to enter basketball sports schools.
As a global event, the World Cup affects a wide range of international parties and basketball fans from all over the globe. It draws attention and implies certain expectations from the international community. The social impact that large international competitions make on the region shouldn't be underestimated. The World Cup is no exception in this regard. Interesting games, activities for fans outside the arena and a mass information campaign of the tournament will create a sports holiday type atmosphere all across the host cities. The maximum engagement of city residents will help promote active and healthy lifestyle. The confident performances of the best national team players will serve as examples for the younger generation, and can instill a love for basketball into future champions from an early age. The "Legacy" program, supported by the government, guarantees that all infrastructure (basketball arenas, new hotels, roads etc...) for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will be used by people long after the end of the competition and serve as motivation for a new generation of basketball players.

What are for you the main takeaways from FIBA's recent site workshop?

The workshop was really fruitful and clarified many details. It was hosted by the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation. FIBA representatives discussed many questions with the Russian Basketball Federation and the Ministry of Sports.

Clear information was provided about:

the new basketball era and the rights and benefits that come with it; the advantages of hosting sporting events and promoting the game; the logistics and services, organizational structure, financial obligations and responsibilities that are involved in hosting the World Cup;  the details of a single host model, the system of competition that will be in place in the World Cup 2023; Government support, general requirements. [/unordered]

FIBA