The pinnacle of international basketball is returning to France! For the first time in its history, and seven years after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, France will be the host nation for the men’s FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2031. This prestigious event was announced by FIBA, with matches scheduled to be held in Paris, Lille, and Lyon from August 29 to September 14, 2031.
Jean-Pierre Hunckler, President of the FFBB (French Basketball Federation), expressed immense satisfaction and pride in securing the hosting rights. He acknowledged the FIBA leadership and the Central Board for their trust, highlighting April 22, 2026, as a significant date for this major decision. Hunckler emphasized that this achievement was the result of a comprehensive project built on major arenas and the commitment of local authorities and the state. He extended his gratitude to the elected officials from the metropolises of Lyon, Paris, and Lille, as well as the regions of Ile de France, Haut de France, and Auvergne Rhône Alpes, for their support. The backing from the French government, including Matignon and the Ministry of Sports, was also deemed crucial.
Hunckler underscored that the World Cup is primarily for the players, especially the exceptional generation of French talent who deserve such an event. He expressed his happiness for them to have the opportunity to play on home soil in front of their own fans. He also specifically thanked Tony Parker and Victor Wembanyama for their invaluable involvement and their role as outstanding ambassadors in the bid.
According to L’Equipe, the planned venues include the Adidas Arena (8,000 seats) and the Accor Arena (16,000 seats) in Paris for the initial group stages, with the Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre slated to host the final phase (quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals). The LDLC Arena in Lyon-Décines (12,000 seats) and the Decathlon Arena (27,000 seats) at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille are also expected to host group stage matches.
France Will Host the 2031 FIBA Basketball World Cup
Summary: France has secured the rights to host the 2031 FIBA Basketball World Cup, marking a historic first for the nation. The tournament is set to take place in Paris, Lille, and Lyon from August 29 to September 14, 2031. The bid was supported by prominent figures like Tony Parker and Victor Wembanyama, and the event is seen as a significant boost for French basketball and a testament to the country’s ability to host major international sporting events.
Key Details:
- Event: FIBA Basketball World Cup 2031
- Host Nation: France
- Dates: August 29 – September 14, 2031
- Host Cities: Paris, Lille, Lyon
- Significance: First time France hosts the men’s Basketball World Cup.
- Key Supporters: Tony Parker, Victor Wembanyama, French government, regional and local authorities.
- Potential Venues (Paris): Adidas Arena, Accor Arena, Paris La Défense Arena.
- Potential Venues (Other Cities): LDLC Arena (Lyon), Decathlon Arena (Lille).
Перевод на английский язык:
The cream of world basketball is returning to France! For the first time in its history, and seven years after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, France will host the men’s FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2031, as announced by FIBA. Matches will be held in Paris, Lille, and Lyon from August 29 to September 14, 2031.
Jean-Pierre Hunckler, President of the FFBB (French Basketball Federation), stated, “It is with immense satisfaction and great pride that we have secured the organization of the World Cup. This exceptional competition has never taken place in France before. I would like to sincerely thank FIBA, its President Sheikh Saud Ali AL TANI, its Secretary General Andreas ZAGKLIS, and the members of the Central Board for their trust during the vote that took place this morning in Berlin. April 22, 2026, will remain a great date with a decision of such magnitude.”
“We presented a complete project based on major arenas and the commitment of local authorities and the state. I thank the elected officials of the Lyon, Paris, and Lille metropolises who supported and accompanied us in this bid. I thank the Ile de France, Haut de France, and Auvergne Rhône Alpes regions for stepping up when we called upon them. The support from the State, Matignon, and the Ministry of Sports was also decisive.”
“Of course, this World Cup will be for the players above all. We have an exceptional generation of players in France who deserve such an event. It is for them that I am happy. They will be able to play in France in front of their public. I thank Tony Parker and Victor Wembanyama for their involvement in our bid. They were formidable ambassadors.”
“Finally, I thank the steering committee and the elected officials of the FFBB who have placed their trust in me.”
L’Equipe reports: “According to our information, in Paris, the Adidas Arena (8,000 seats) and the Accor Arena (16,000 seats) would be used for the first round (eight groups) and the second round (four groups), while the Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre would host the final phase (quarter-finals, semi-finals, finals). The LDLC Arena in Lyon-Décines (12,000 seats) and the Decathlon Arena (27,000 seats), the indoor version of the Stade Pierre Mauroy, are also expected to host first and second-round groups.”
