What Is 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup bids

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup bidding process involved multiple countries submitting bids to host the tournament, with China ultimately selected as host in 2015. The event was held from August 31 to September 15, 2019, across eight cities in China.

Key Facts

China won the hosting rights for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2015
The tournament was held from August 31 to September 15, 2019
Eight Chinese cities hosted games: Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan
A record 32 national teams participated in the 2019 edition
FIBA awarded hosting rights following a global bidding process involving several nations

Overview

The 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup bidding process marked a pivotal moment in international basketball, as FIBA transitioned to a new hosting model and expanded the tournament. For the first time, the competition featured 32 national teams, up from 24, necessitating larger infrastructure and broader logistical planning.

Multiple countries submitted formal bids to host the event, but FIBA ultimately awarded the hosting rights to China in August 2015. This decision reflected FIBA’s strategic goal of expanding basketball’s global reach, particularly in Asia.

Host Selection Year: FIBA announced China as host in August 2015, following a comprehensive evaluation of bid proposals from competing nations.
Number of Bidders: At least four countries expressed interest, including China, the Philippines, Turkey, and a joint Argentina-Uruguay bid.
Tournament Format: The 2019 edition introduced a new 32-team format, requiring venues capable of supporting extended group stages and knockout rounds.
Hosting Cities: China utilized eight cities—Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan—to distribute games and boost regional engagement.
Global Significance: Hosting rights were awarded with the aim of growing basketball’s popularity in Asia, where over one-third of the world’s population resides.

How It Works

The bidding process for the FIBA Basketball World Cup involves national federations submitting detailed proposals covering venues, infrastructure, security, and financial commitments.

Bid Submission: Countries must submit formal applications to FIBA by a set deadline. In 2015, all bids were due months before the final decision to allow time for evaluation.
Infrastructure Requirements: Hosts must demonstrate access to at least eight modern arenas, each with a minimum capacity of 15,000 for group stage games.
Government Support: FIBA requires official government endorsement and guarantees of visa facilitation, security, and transportation logistics.
Financial Commitment: Bidders must provide bank guarantees and funding plans to cover tournament operations, marketing, and team accommodations.
Technical Evaluation: FIBA conducts site visits and reviews venue blueprints, hotel availability, and broadcast facilities before voting.
FIBA Congress Vote: The final host is selected by a vote of FIBA’s Central Board, with majority approval required during a formal congress meeting.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the bidding nations and their proposed hosting models for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Country	Bid Status	Planned Cities	Key Venue	Population Reach
China	Winner	8	Beijing National Stadium	1.4 billion
Philippines	Finalist	3	Mall of Asia Arena	100 million
Turkey	Finalist	5	Ülker Arena	80 million
Argentina-Uruguay	Withdrew	4 (2 per country)	Estadio Obras	45 million
Italy	Not shortlisted	6	Mediolanum Forum	60 million

China’s bid stood out due to its ability to mobilize resources across multiple megacities and guarantee large spectator turnout. The country’s investment in sports infrastructure ahead of the 2008 Olympics gave it a competitive edge, while FIBA emphasized the strategic value of promoting basketball in the world’s most populous nation.

Why It Matters

The selection of China as host for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup had lasting implications for international basketball governance and global sports economics.

Market Expansion: FIBA aimed to tap into China’s 500 million basketball fans, making the tournament more commercially viable through sponsorships and broadcasting.
Global Rotation: The award signaled FIBA’s intent to rotate major events outside traditional strongholds in Europe and the Americas.
Infrastructure Legacy: Host cities upgraded arenas and transportation systems, leaving a long-term sports development footprint.
Team Participation: The 32-team format allowed more nations to compete, increasing global representation and competitive diversity.
Commercial Growth: The event attracted record sponsorship deals, including from Chinese tech and automotive brands.
Pathway to NBA: Strong performances by international players raised visibility, aiding recruitment by NBA scouts.

The 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup bid process exemplified how sports governing bodies balance competitive fairness, economic potential, and global outreach when awarding major tournaments.