Philippines to host highly anticipated eFIBA Season 3 World Finals

FIBA Sec-Gen Andreas Zagliakis with SBP President Al Panlilio, c/o FIBA and SBP

Recently hosting the FIBA World Cup, the biggest on-court basketball competition in the country, the Philippines will now do the same for the biggest online basketball tournament later this year.

The much-anticipated third season of the eFIBA World Finals is set to happen on December 11-12 at the SMX Clark Convention Center.

Forty players split into eight teams will duke it out for the title of eFIBA World Champion, as well as a share of the $50,000 prize pool. That title is currently being held by the United States, who secured that in Sweden last year.

Qualification to determine the eight teams is set to commence next month, with 61 nations fielding their respective squads in Regional Pre-Qualifying, followed by Regional Qualifying and the Regional Finals, which will last until November 7.

The top two teams from Europe, as well as the champions from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, North America and the Caribbean, South America, and Oceania will comprise the field, which will be split into two groups. Top two of each group will advance into the semifinals, with the winners set to tangle in the final.

All of these matches are set to be broadcast onto the eFIBA's social media platforms, with the expectation of local casters being involved as well, aside from Vince Chang and Chris Simpson.

In securing the hosting rights, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio says, "Clark has already held multi-sport events, including the Southeast Asian Games in 2019. Now we're excited to host the Season 3 eFIBA World Finals here."

He adds, "We felt that Clark was the perfect place for this event as participants  can enjoy world-class amenities in a more relaxed, laidback vibe with our usual Filipino hospitality."

On FIBA's end, Secretary General Andreas Zagklis shares, "It's an exciting prospect to be having this season's eFIBA World Finals in the Philippines since we all know the passion the country has for our sport. This was one more time confirmed last year at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and now we can't wait to see the most high-profile eFIBA event taking place there, too."