Miércoles, 4 de diciembre 2024, 14:10
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Spain, through the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB), has officially submitted its bid to host EuroBasket 2029, as confirmed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). This announcement, previously hinted at by the FEB, has sparked significant anticipation, with Madrid, the proposed Spanish city, emerging as a favourite to host both a group stage and the continental title matches.
The EuroBasket 2029 will be held in a multi-host format, with four countries selected as hosts. Three will organise only the group stages, while one will handle the final stage and decisive matches. Should Spain be chosen, Madrid could host all of the national team’s matches, including the knockout rounds, provided the WiZink Center is designated as the main venue.
Eight countries in the race
FIBA has revealed the eight countries that have submitted bids to host EuroBasket 2029: Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain. However, only four will be selected as hosts for the 43rd edition of the tournament, with the final decision to be announced in May 2025.
“The fact that we have received eight bids to host EuroBasket 2029 is a clear testament to the reach and significance of this event in Europe,” stated Kamil Novak, Executive Director of FIBA Europe. This co-hosting format, introduced in 2015, aims to foster the growth of basketball across the continent, a goal embraced by national federations.
Madrid, favourite to host the final stage
Madrid is emerging as one of the cities with the greatest potential to host the tournament’s final stage, with the WiZink Center as a leading venue candidate. Elisa Aguilar, president of the FEB, highlighted the strength of the Spanish bid: “We have the full support of the Community of Madrid and a well-established reputation for organising major events. FIBA knows that whenever we bid, Spain offers exemplary organisation. I am convinced that we are the best option to host EuroBasket in 2029,” Aguilar stated at the Europa Press Sports Breakfasts.
Economic impact
It is estimated that hosting EuroBasket in Madrid could generate an economic benefit of 270 million euros for the Community of Madrid, further reinforcing the significance of this bid. In recent history, Spain successfully hosted EuroBasket in 2007, a tournament that concluded with Russia’s defeat in the final, a milestone that remains in the collective memory of Spanish basketball.
If Spain is selected as one of the host countries, Madrid will join the list of major cities that have previously hosted EuroBasket, such as Lithuania in 2011, Slovenia in 2013, and Germany in 2022. Now, with the 2029 edition on the horizon, Spain has the opportunity to reaffirm its leadership in European basketball and offer a unique experience to fans across the continent.
The final decision on the host countries will be made in May 2025, but Spain’s bid, led by Madrid, is already emerging as one of the strongest and most promising for delivering a memorable tournament.
