New era of 3x3 wheelchair basketball begins with Europe Cup success

VIENNA (Austria) - FIBA 3x3 and the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) kicked off a new era for 3x3 basketball after hosting the first-ever integrated running and wheelchair basketball Europe Cup.

Organized by FIBA 3x3, the IWBF 3x3 Europe Cup was incorporated into their event, in collaboration with the Austrian Sports Federation for Disabled and Basketball Austria. The tournament featured 14 teams from across Europe and took place alongside the prestigious FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup, where 24 of the top European teams competed for the championship title from August 22-25.

 
The event drew in fans who enjoyed the fast-paced, high-scoring format of 3x3 basketball, combined with the exceptional ball-handling skills and incredible display of upper body strength of wheelchair basketball players.  

Before a captivated home crowd, Austria clinched the inaugural men's 3x3 Europe Cup championship in wheelchair basketball, defeating Poland in a thrilling 15-14 match. In the women's competition, Spain secured the first-ever women's 3x3 Europe Cup wheelchair basketball championship. 

The FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2024 saw the same gold medalists emerge victorious. The Austrian men's team, playing in front of their home crowd, earned their first Europe Cup title with a 18-17 victory over Serbia. The Spanish women's team secured their second Europe Cup gold with a 19-11 victory over their long-standing rivals, France. 

“At FIBA we are always striving to innovate our sport and provide the best possible experience for our players and our fans,” said FIBA Managing Director Alex Sanchez. “The inclusion of wheelchair basketball in the 3x3 Europe Cup was a huge success and will make the sport of 3x3 basketball more accessible and open to all.” 

Walter Pfaller, IWBF Vice-President and IWBF Europe President said: "We are very proud to have wheelchair basketball integrated into the 3x3 Europe Cup. The inclusive 3x3 Europe Cup in Vienna showcased not only the skill and athleticism of our players but also the unity and shared passion between the running basketball and wheelchair basketball communities. It was a first step with great significance. FIBA and IWBF have shown that inclusion is lived and that we are a basketball family. This event has set a new standard for inclusion and competition, and we are excited to build on this momentum, expanding opportunities for 3x3 and continuing to grow basketball for all."

A joint ceremony was held to celebrate the success of both the IWBF 3x3 Europe Cup and the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup. The ceremony brought together players from both events, highlighting the strong cooperation and unity in the global basketball community. 

With the event held just ahead of the wheelchair basketball competition at the Paralympic Game Paris 2024, the IWBF 3x3 Europe Cup served as a powerful reminder of the incredible skill and athleticism of Europe's best wheelchair basketball players.