With the NBA free agency settling down and the 2023-24 NBA season still a few months away, the “dog days” of the NBA calendar are in full swing during August. However, basketball enthusiasts won’t have to wait much longer to see some of their favorite players in action, as the highly anticipated 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup is set to kick off in less than three weeks.
After months of intense competition from November 2021 to February 2023, 80 countries battled for a chance to participate in the World Cup, resulting in the qualification of 32 national teams. The tournament promises a star-studded lineup of NBA players, with Team USA boasting a talented young roster ready to face off against basketball luminaries such as Luka Doncic, Karl-Anthony Towns, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Lauri Markkanen, among others.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Key Dates and Schedule
While the NBA season remains on hiatus, basketball fans can still relish the action through the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The warm-up games are currently taking place and will continue until August 22. The main event, the World Cup games, is scheduled to take place from August 25 to September 10, 2023.
The tournament will unfold in various stages:
- First Round (Group Phase): August 25-30
- Second Round (Group Phase): August 31 – September 4
- Quarterfinals: September 5-6
- Semifinals: September 8
- Final: September 10
- Third-Place Game: September 10
Global Hosts: Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia
This edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup introduces a unique format, with the tournament being hosted by three countries: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
32 Qualifying Countries and Group Division
Out of the intense competition, 32 countries emerged victorious to secure their spot in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The participating nations include basketball powerhouses like the United States, Spain, Australia, and more. These teams have been grouped for the initial phase of the tournament, creating an exciting and diverse competition:
Group A:
- Angola
- Dominican Republic
- Philippines
- Italy
Group B:
- South Sudan
- Serbia
- China
- Puerto Rico
Group C:
- Team USA
- Jordan
- Greece
- New Zealand
Group D:
- Egypt
- Mexico
- Montenegro
- Lithuania
Group E:
- Germany
- Finland
- Australia
- Japan
Group F:
- Slovenia
- Cape Verde
- Georgia
- Venezuela
Group G:
- Iran
- Spain
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Brazil
Group H:
- Canada
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- France
NBA Presence and Notable Players
The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup is set to feature a significant NBA presence, with several players from the league competing for their respective national teams. From Karl-Anthony Towns to Luka Doncic, the tournament will showcase a captivating blend of international and NBA talent.
Broadcast and Streaming Options
FIBA has partnered with ESPN to ensure comprehensive coverage of the tournament. All 92 World Cup games will be accessible through ESPN’s platforms, with six games set to air on ESPN2. The remaining 86 games will be available on ESPN+.
FIBA’s official streaming service, Courtside 1891, will also offer live and on-demand coverage of the games. Excitingly, FIBA is providing a 20% discount on their World Cup bundle for interested viewers.
As the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup approaches, basketball enthusiasts are gearing up for a month of thrilling competition. The tournament not only offers a showcase of top-notch basketball but also provides fans a welcome respite from the dog days of summer.
