BERLIN (Germany) - As the countdown continues to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Germany, the unveiling of the visual identity is an exciting landmark on the 'Road to Germany'.
The 20th edition of the prestigious competition will be played in September 2026 at two premium venues, namely Arena Berlin and Max-Schmeling Halle. There will also be an expanded field of 16 teams, reflecting the surging popularity of women's basketball globally.
The brand for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 is heavily inspired by a fusion of Berlin's urban style and its renowned sub-culture.
It has been crafted to reflect Berlin's status as a united metropolis that loves to party and celebrate. In essence, the brand is where Berlin's famous street art meets the heroes of women's basketball.
The visual identity was designed by sports branding experts UnitedSenses, whose headquarters are in Germany. Among other FIBA projects, UnitedSenses previously created the broadcast branding for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
As part of the identity, the event will also be boosted through the hashtag #WeOwnTheGame. The slogan “We Own The Game” is a distinctive and original expression of the brand, setting the event apart in the worlds of urban art, culture and basketball. Like street artists tagging their territory, #WeOwnTheGame boldly claims ownership of the court and the game.
The showpiece event will be another celebration of women's hoops on the biggest stage. It will follow the stunning 2022 edition in Sydney, widely recognized as the most successful in history due to incredible digital engagement levels and attendance at games.
The launch of the visual identity also comes at a time when there is significant momentum building for basketball in Germany on the court.
The national team made a splash at the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 on debut. Their eye-catching and historic performances followed their exploits at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 when they recorded their best finish at 6th place.
Meanwhile, Germany women also won the 3x3 gold medal in Paris, a historic success which has thrown even more of a spotlight onto basketball.
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Ambassador Sue Bird is excited by the 'Road to Germany'. The legendary baller was in the French capital to promote the event and wore a specially commissioned jacket to showcase the logo and #WeOwnTheGame hashtag.
Bird also took time to underline how important it is that everyone enjoys the build-up, as well as the competition itself when it arrives in two years' time.
She said: "The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Germany is going to be an amazing event both on and off the court, but we can already enjoy the journey to Berlin".
"Unveiling the visual identity of the tournament is a big moment for this world-class event, giving us a chance to celebrate before the start of the Pre-Qualifying Tournaments next week.
I love the urban style of the logo and the way it has been inspired by the street art scene of Berlin
"I am sure it will only make fans want to engage even more with what I know will be another spectacular women's basketball event," she added.
It will be the first time the tournament has been staged in Germany since 1998, and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis is delighted to see the creation of the visual identity.
There is so much to look forward to
"And seeing the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 identity unveiled brings the event even more to life and into a fuller focus for everyone," he added.
"Women in Basketball is one of our key strategic priorities and the growth in the popularity of the women's games has been one of the most powerful and compelling trends in our sport during recent years.
"There is no bigger platform for our biggest stars to show their skills than at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 and we are all counting down to what will be another amazing event in Berlin," concluded Zagklis.
German Basketball Federation (DBB) President Ingo Weiss added:
The launch of this brand is the first big milestone on the 'Road to Germany'
“Together with our partners, the Senate Department of Berlin and the Federal Ministry of the Interior, we are looking forward to this event, as well as a lot of activities within our strategy to develop women's basketball in Germany."
Teams will qualify through global Qualifying Tournaments, with the new Pre-Qualifying Tournaments taking place this month in Mexico and Rwanda between August 19 and 25. These tournaments offer more nations the chance to fight it out for a ticket to 2026.
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About FIBA FIBA (fiba.basketball) - the world governing body for basketball - is an independent association formed by 212 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. It is recognized as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
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