Wrapping up the 90-year anniversary of FIBA

MIES (Switzerland) - This year has been a huge cause for celebration in the basketball world because FIBA turned 90 years old.

The Patrick Baumann House of Basketball has buzzed with excitement, with special activities and projects marking the anniversary that has reconnected guests with FIBA's fascinating past.

As FIBA has gone about the business of growing the game of basketball and focusing on its strategic objectives, which prioritize the empowerment of federations, women in basketball and the enlargement of the FIBA family, it has also this year hearkened back to the impactful events that shaped the organization and given us the sport that is such an important part of our lives today.

Recently, a Swiss artist, Serge Nidegger, commemorated the 90-year anniversary by giving the 3x3 court at FIBA's headquarters a makeover.

On June 18, FIBA unveiled at its headquarters in Switzerland a sculpture of James Naismith, who invented basketball in 1891.

The bronze sculpture, which includes the bespectacled figure of Naismith along with a peach basket, a ball and the first 13 rules of the game, weighs about 200 kg.

Among those in attendance at the unveiling was Naismith's grandson, Jim Naismith.

Jim Naismith at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in June

That ceremony coincided with the eighth edition of the FIBA Open, the biggest 3x3 grassroots tournament in Switzerland and one of the biggest in the world with a record 296 teams taking part.

Also, in this special year, nine individuals who have contributed enormously to women's basketball were inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2022.

The FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2022

For those that visit the House of Basketball, a history lesson is always available because the FIBA Hall of Fame is located there.

The Museum, which pays tribute to those who have played key roles in shaping the history of international basketball and preserves the game's heritage, has had a special 90 Iconic Moments exhibit this year.

Included in the exhibit are medals, accreditations, tickets, Olympic torches, balls, books, scoresheets, documents, pins, pennants, trophies, sneakers, posters, uniforms, magazines, stamps and equipment.

Among the moments celebrated in the exhibition is the unforgettable 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. It was the first time that NBA players competed at the Summer Games, and it culminated with a Gold Medal Game between Croatia and the famous USA Dream Team.

To mark FIBA's 90th anniversary, 90 iconic moments have been published on FIBA.basketball throughout the year.

Detailed accounts of each iconic moment have been written about, including the founding of FIBA in Geneva on June 18, 1932. That's when the National Federations of Argentina, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Portugal, Romania and Switzerland all joined together to take a historic step for the good of the global game.

Subjects included unforgettable events like the FIBA Basketball World Cups, the Olympics, and continental championships, or leagues and leading basketball personalities.

Iconic Moment Number 90: 
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 

Now, as we reach the end of 2022, all these 90 iconic moments can be found here.  

FIBA