FIBA Announces Hosts of Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for Paris 2024

FIBA is delighted to announce the hosts cities for two out of the three Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs) for the FIBA 3x3 basketball event at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. These exciting events signify a pivotal step in the journey towards Paris 2024, building upon the monumental success of 3x3 basketball's Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.

Qualifying Tournaments and Dates:

• FIBA 3x3 UOQT 2: Utsunomiya, Japan from 3-5 May 2024
• FIBA 3x3 OQT: Debrecen, Hungary on 23-26 May 2024

 Each tournament will showcase the top teams from around the globe, as they battle it out for a coveted spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

 "Both cities have a strong history of hosting 3x3 events, with Utsunomiya City being a longstanding host of the FIBA 3x3 Tour since 2016, which will continue until 2028 and Debrecen who hosted over many competitions. Our thanks go to Mayor Sato of Utsunomiya City for his invaluable contributions to the sport and also to the City of Debrecen and the Hungarian Basketball Federation for their continuing support," stated Alex Sanchez, FIBA 3x3 Managing Director.

 "Hosting an Olympic Qualifier Tournament is always a great honour. It is another major sport diplomatic success for Hungary. We view FIBA's decision as a recognition of our activities for the 3x3 discipline and Debrecen's high level of hosting experience." - said Peter Bodnar, Secretary General of the Hungarian Basketball Federation.

 ''We are very honored that FIBA has chosen Utsunomiya city to host the OQT among many other cities around the world. As one of Japan's leading 3x3 cities, we are very pleased to have this great opportunity. We are looking forward to hosting this event together with the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Utsunomiya Opener 2024 to be held in April. We will continue to work on preparations in cooperation with FIBA, Japan Basketball Association and the local community to make these tournaments successful.'' Said Eiichi Sato – Mayor of Utsunomiya city

Qualification Process and Teams Securing Spots:
The selection process for teams competing in the OQTs was based on the FIBA 3x3 Federation Ranking as of 1 November 2023. In a thrilling culmination of qualifying events, the top three countries per gender secured their places for the Olympic stage.

The highly anticipated 3x3 Olympic event is scheduled from 30 July to 5 August 2024, at the iconic Place de la Concorde, nestled in the heart of Paris. This historic location, near landmarks such as the Grand Palais, Champs-Elysées, and The Louvre, is the perfect backdrop for this electrifying competition and is poised to become the epicenter of 3x3's dynamic atmosphere during the Games.

Latvia's men and USA's women emerged as the inaugural gold medallists in 3x3 basketball during Tokyo 2020, adding an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic competition.

Stay tuned for more updates and thrilling action as we approach the Road to Paris for 3x3 basketball at the Olympics.

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the most thrilling urban sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court. 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

For further information about 3x3, visit fiba3x3.basketball, FIBA 3x3 accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Sina Weibo, Tencent, TikTok, Twitter, Youku , YouTube or contact 3x3@fiba.basketball