CHENGDU (China) - Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China, is set to make history as the host of the first-ever FIBA Women’s Basketball League Asia (WBL Asia) from September 26 to 28, 2024. This landmark event not only cements Chengdu’s growing status as a global sports destination but also marks a pivotal moment in the development of women’s basketball across the region.
Chengdu being awarded as the host city highlights its growing importance on the international sports scene. Known as a major hub of Western China, Chengdu is rapidly becoming a prominent sports destination as well. With the inaugural edition of as important of an event as the WBL Asia set to play the first games in this city, Chengdu is on the right track in that regard.
The local government’s strong support for women’s sports, coupled with the city’s state-of-the-art facilities, played a key role in FIBA’s decision to award Chengdu as the host. Mr. Khajirian praised the city’s commitment to the advancement of women’s sports, saying, “Chengdu’s growing sports infrastructure and its strong support for women’s sports have been one of the main reasons behind the Regional Office’s decision to stage the inaugural edition in this city.”
This monumental event is bolstered by a lineup of prestigious sponsors, reflecting the importance and excitement surrounding this historic event. Leading organizations such as China Sports Lottery and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China are lending their support, ensuring the tournament is executed at the highest level. Major players like Wuliangye, Sichuan Sports College, Miele Food, China Telecom, and Sichuan Satellite TV add further credibility, while SDIG, Sichuan Star, and Xiongguan Sports underscore the deep commitment from local and national businesses. These partnerships are a testament to the growing significance of women’s basketball in Asia, as these sponsors contribute to creating a prestigious event that highlights athletic excellence and brings attention to Chengdu.
The inaugural edition of the FIBA WBL Asia represents a significant step forward for women’s basketball in the region. The competition is aligned with FIBA’s ongoing strategic focus on “Women in Basketball", aiming to foster the growth and visibility of women’s basketball by providing a platform for elite club teams across Asia to compete at the highest level.
The 2024 edition will see four top teams from China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Indonesia go head-to-head in a single round-robin tournament. The host team, Sichuan Yuanda Meile Basketball Club, will be joined by Japan’s WJBL champions Fujitsu Red Wave, Chinese Taipei’s WSBL champion Cathay Life, and Indonesia’s Surabaya Fever. The team with the best record at the end of the competition will be crowned the first-ever FIBA WBL Asia champion.
FIBA