The FIBA EuroBasket 2029 is just around the corner, and there is already competition among several European countries to host this major basketball tournament. Eight nations have submitted their bids to host the 43rd edition of EuroBasket, and among them are several historic countries that have already had the opportunity to organize this event in previous editions. The race to become the host for this sporting event promises to be a fierce battle, with the selection process playing a crucial role in determining which nations will welcome teams and fans from all over the continent.
With a multi-host format that has been in place since the 2015 edition, FIBA Europe has received a significant number of bids. Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain are all vying for the honor of being part of the organization of this major sports event. Out of these eight proposals, only four will be selected to host the next EuroBasket edition, with the final decision to be made in May 2025.
TOP CANDIDATES
Five of the eight countries vying to host EuroBasket 2029 have a strong track record in the competition. Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Spain are nations that have not only been EuroBasket champions at different times but also have a rich tradition in the sport. These countries have successfully hosted previous editions, making them serious contenders to host the event again. Germany, for example, hosted in 1993 and celebrated the excitement of lifting the trophy in front of their home crowd, while Greece did so in 1987, marking one of the most memorable victories in the history of the tournament.
In addition, Finland, Estonia, and the Netherlands are looking to make history by hosting EuroBasket for the first time. Finland, for example, is preparing to become the first country to host consecutively, as it will be part of the 2025 organizing committee. Meanwhile, Estonia and the Netherlands have never had the honor of hosting the EuroBasket finals but now have the opportunity to be part of this great event that takes place every four years.
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for the EuroBasket 2029 hosts will be thorough. FIBA Europe will carefully evaluate all the received bids before announcing the chosen countries. The final decision is expected to be made in May 2025, after reviewing the potential impact of each proposal on the development of basketball in Europe. In this regard, Kamil Novak, Executive Director of FIBA Europe, emphasized that the multi-host system has been essential for the competition’s growth, not only as a sports spectacle but also as a driver of basketball across the continent.
Meanwhile, the closest edition of EuroBasket will be in 2025, which will take place in Cyprus, Finland, Poland, and Latvia. These countries will be responsible for organizing the event, with Riga, Latvia’s capital, hosting the grand final on September 14, 2025. Eyes are on this upcoming event, as well as the 2029 edition, which promises to be another grand celebration of European basketball.
