What Is 2017 FIBA Women's Asia Cup

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 FIBA Women's Asia Cup was held from July 23 to July 29 in Bengaluru, India, and featured 12 teams competing for continental supremacy, with Japan winning the tournament by defeating China 70–66 in the final.

Key Facts

Japan won the 2017 FIBA Women's Asia Cup by defeating China 70–66 in the final.
The tournament took place from July 23 to July 29, 2017, in Bengaluru, India.
Twelve national teams participated in the competition.
Japan claimed its third consecutive Asia Cup title at this event.
Lebanon finished last in Group B and was relegated to Division B for 2019.

Overview

The 2017 FIBA Women's Asia Cup was the 27th edition of the premier women's basketball championship in Asia, organized by FIBA Asia. Hosted in Bengaluru, India, from July 23 to July 29, the tournament featured 12 national teams divided into two divisions: Division A and Division B, with Division A being the top tier.

This edition marked a significant shift in format, introducing a new structure that included promotion and relegation between divisions. The competition served as a qualifier for future international events, including the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.

Twelve teams participated in total, with eight in Division A and four in Division B, competing for continental dominance and global qualification spots.
The host nation, India, competed in Division B and finished third, avoiding relegation but not advancing to Division A for 2019.
Japan entered as defending champions and secured their third consecutive title by defeating China in a tightly contested 70–66 final.
Australia, competing in Asia for the first time after switching from FIBA Oceania, finished fourth in Division A after losing to South Korea in the third-place game.
Lebanon was relegated to Division B for the 2019 tournament after finishing last in Group B of Division A, highlighting the new promotion-relegation system.

How It Works

The tournament structure combined group play with knockout stages, incorporating a new promotion-relegation model between divisions. Teams were seeded based on previous rankings, and results determined advancement and divisional placement for future editions.

Division A: The top eight teams in Asia competed in Division A, with the goal of winning the championship and qualifying for global tournaments. The bottom team faced relegation.
Division B: Four lower-ranked teams competed in Division B, with the winner earning promotion to Division A for the next edition, increasing competitive balance.
Group Stage: Division A teams were split into two groups of four; the top two from each advanced to the semifinals, while the bottom two played classification games.
Knockout Rounds: The semifinals and final determined the champion, while separate games decided third place and relegation based on final standings.
Relegation: The last-place team in Division A, Lebanon, was demoted to Division B for 2019, marking the first use of this rule in the women's tournament.
Host Nation Role:India hosted the event at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium and participated in Division B, finishing behind Kazakhstan, New Zealand, and Chinese Taipei.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five teams in Division A based on final standings, wins, and points:

Team	Final Standing	Wins	Points Scored	Key Outcome
Japan	1st	5	378	Champions; qualified for World Cup
China	2nd	4	332	Runners-up; qualified for World Cup
South Korea	3rd	4	310	Third place; strong defensive performance
Australia	4th	3	298	First Asia Cup appearance; missed podium
Philippines	5th	2	276	Improved from previous edition

The table illustrates Japan's dominance in scoring and consistency, winning all five games. China and South Korea showed strong regional competitiveness, while Australia’s debut reflected the expanded geographic scope of the tournament. The Philippines broke into the top half of Division A, signaling growth in Southeast Asian women's basketball.

Why It Matters

The 2017 FIBA Women's Asia Cup had lasting implications for women's basketball across the continent, influencing team development, international qualification, and regional competitiveness. Its new format set a precedent for future tournaments, emphasizing merit-based advancement.

Global Qualification: The top three teams—Japan, China, and South Korea—earned spots in the 2018 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, increasing Asia's presence on the world stage.
Regional Shift: Australia’s inclusion marked a strategic realignment, enhancing competition and raising the overall skill level in Asian women's basketball.
Youth Development: Several teams, including Japan and China, fielded younger rosters, indicating a focus on long-term growth and sustainability.
Relegation Impact: Lebanon’s demotion underscored the stakes of the new format, motivating teams to invest more in training and preparation.
Host Exposure: India’s role as host boosted domestic interest in women's basketball and highlighted infrastructure capabilities for future events.
Media Coverage: The tournament received increased regional broadcasting, improving visibility and sponsorship opportunities for women athletes.

The 2017 edition thus served as a turning point, modernizing the competition and setting higher standards for performance, fairness, and growth in Asian women's basketball.