Latest Basketball News

📅April 24, 2026 at 1:00 AM
AJ Dybantsa declares for 2026 NBA Draft as top prospect; FIBA Central Board advances Women's World Cup 2026 prep and awards future hosts; Russia rejoins youth 3x3; Gilas Pilipinas plays Estonia.
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AJ Dybantsa Declares for 2026 NBA Draft as Projected No. 1 Pick

BYU star AJ Dybantsa, seen as the top prospect, announced his entry into the 2026 NBA Draft via a YouTube video on Thursday.Source 1 In the video, he read a childhood letter expressing his dream to play basketball.Source 1 He may compete with Kansas' Darryn Peterson for the No. 1 spot, with the Utah Jazz potentially selecting first.Source 1

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FIBA Central Board Concludes Meeting Ahead of Women's Basketball World Cup 2026

The FIBA Central Board met in Berlin, reviewing successful qualifying tournaments in China, France, Puerto Rico, and Türkiye.Source 2 Over 80% of final weekend tickets for the September 2026 World Cup are sold, with preparations on track.Source 2 The board limited warm-up games in Window 4 qualifiers to two.Source 2

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FIBA Awards Hosting Rights for Women's World Cup 2030 and Men's 2031

During the Central Board meeting, hosting rights were awarded for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2030 and FIBA Basketball World Cup 2031.Source 2 Specific hosts were not detailed in reports, but decisions mark key planning milestones.Source 2 The meeting coincided with the 2026 World Cup draw and Hall of Fame inductions.Source 2

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FIBA Confirms Progress on 2027 Basketball World Cup in Qatar

The Central Board received updates on FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 preparations in Qatar, 16 months away.Source 2 Despite Middle East tensions, organizers are confident in delivering a safe event.Source 2 Reports affirm that planning remains on schedule.Source 2

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Boca Juniors Crowned BCL Americas Champions 2025-26

Boca Juniors won the Basketball Champions League Americas Final Four in Buenos Aires on Sunday.Source 2 The victory caps the 2025-26 season successfully.Source 2 Youth BCL Americas has also launched.Source 2

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Basketball Africa League 2026 Season Nears Conclusion

Season 6 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) is set to wrap up in May 2026.Source 2 FIBA provided updates on the Road to BAL 2026 during the Central Board meeting.Source 2 The league continues to grow in prominence.Source 2

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Gilas Pilipinas Faces Estonia in FIBA Qualifiers on April 24

Philippines' Gilas Pilipinas plays Estonia today in FIBA Qualifiers, highlighted in live coverage.Source 3 The matchup is part of ongoing international qualifying efforts.Source 3 Recent Philippines-Colombia game was featured in FIBA Women's World Cup 2026 qualifiers.Source 3

8

Russia and Belarus Cleared to Join FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League

Russia and Belarus received exceptional permission to register U21 teams in FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League conferences.Source 4 This marks their return to international basketball with a key youth exception.Source 4 Full senior participation remains restricted.Source 4

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FIBA Basketball Champions League Final Four Set for Badalona

Preparations are advancing for the Basketball Champions League Final Four in Badalona, Spain, to crown the 10th season champion.Source 2 Updates were shared at the Central Board meeting.Source 2 The event promises high-level competition.Source 2

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FIBA Masters Open 2026 Boosts Basketball For Good Initiative

The Central Board approved the FIBA Masters Open 2026, contributing to the Basketball For Good movement via team participation.Source 2 This aligns with broader social impact efforts.Source 2 Financial statements for 2025 were also approved.Source 2

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FIBA Asia Competitions and Youth Programs Updated

The Central Board reviewed ongoing FIBA Asia competitions alongside global youth initiatives.Source 2 Emphasis was placed on development across regions.Source 2 These updates support FIBA's worldwide expansion.Source 2