The FIBA Intercontinental Cup Singapore 2023, was officially launched by Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr. Edwin Tong on 20th September. Mr. Tong kicked off the competition with a co-slam dunk alongside Li Si Yi, a Singapore basketball player currently training with the Eng Tat Hornets. 

Taking place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 21-24 September 2023, the four-day competition will see six international teams, NBA G League Ignite, Zhejiang Golden Bulls, Sesi Franca, Al Ahly, Al Manama and Telekom Baskets Bonn, battle it out for the coveted trophy. Basketball fans can also catch an electrifying lunch-time exhibition game by Chinese Taipei’s Hsinchu Lioneers and Singapore’s Eng Tat Hornets on 23 September 2023 at 12pm.

At the launch, fans were treated to a fireside chat with players Norris Cole from Al Ahly, Izan Almansa from NBA G League Ignite and Wu Qian from the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, together with representatives from FIBA, Sport Singapore and Kallang Alive Sport Management. Participants engaged in a conversation on the rapid growth of basketball and the critical enablers required for the sport’s development here. Patrick Comninos, CEO, Basketball Champions League spoke about the FIBA Intercontinental Cup as the perfect opportunity for fans to bask in high-level games showcasing different styles of play from across the world and immerse in the iconic basketball culture. 

Yazed Osman, Group Head, Events and Placemaking, Kallang Alive Sport Management also added, as the region’s premier sport and entertainment venue, Singapore Sports Hub stands ready to host an epic weekend of sportsmanship and a variety of activities that will appeal to all interests. The players expressed their passion in the sport and how they’re looking forward to putting on a fantastic show for all fans of the sport. Wrapping the session, Marcus Tan, Chief, Sport Development Group, Sport Singapore shared his excitement for Asia’s first-ever FIBA Intercontinental Cup. He looks forward to uplifting the basketball ecosystem through working with partners and providing more competition opportunities and programmes under the ActiveSG Basketball Academy to attract more to pick up the sport and grow the basketball community.

Before the battle on the court, all six team captains gathered at Singapore’s Haji Lane, the epicentre of street and community culture, to take in the sights and sounds of the iconic location and soak in the atmosphere. The captains had a great time witnessing the blend of Singapore’s culture and snapped a commemorative shot. 

Photo Credit: Singapore Sports Hub

FIBA 2023 takes place from 21st to 24th September 2023 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. For more information and tickets, visit here.