SBP submits bid to host 2023 FIBA World Cup

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SBP submits bid to host 2023 FIBA World Cup

by rick olivares

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) submitted its bid application questionnaire for the Philippines to host the 2023 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) World Cup today, Wednesday, January 18, 2017. 

The bid application questionnaire proposes that the Philippines will co-host FIBA's premiere basketball event along with Indonesia for the Group Stages with the former as the sole host for the semi-finals and finals. 

Previously, all FIBA events were held in one geographical location. However, beginning with the 2023 World Cup, basketball's governing body has optioned the provision for multiple country hosting for the group phase. 

The Philippines, as the lead country for the bid, is partnering with Indonesia as they are building new facilities for their hosting the 2018 Asian Games. Coupled with the Philippines' population, that equates to close to 400 million people who will watch the World Cup alone.

The Philippines previously hosted the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships as well as the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Both events firmly placed the country as a preferred choice for hosting world-class sporting events.

FIBA will announce the candidates for the 2023 World Cup hosting this coming February on a date that has yet to be announced. The decision on which nations or region will be awarded the hosting rights will be made by December of this calendar year.