FIBA Intercontinental Cup: Beijing to Host the Tournament Through 2028

The FIBA Intercontinental Cup is entering a new chapter. FIBA has officially announced that Beijing, China, will host the competition from 2026 to 2028, marking the first time the prestigious global club tournament will be staged in China. The move follows a successful three-year run in Singapore, which hosted the event between 2023 and 2025.

Created in 1965, the Intercontinental Cup has evolved from a competition between a handful of continental champions into a truly global club championship. Beijing's selection reflects FIBA’s ambition to continue expanding the tournament’s international reach while capitalizing on China’s passion for basketball and proven experience in hosting major sporting events, including the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis described the decision as part of the organization’s mission to modernize and grow the competition, emphasizing Beijing’s ability to deliver world-class basketball events over the next three years.

RSSB Tigers to Represent Africa in Beijing

The announcement is particularly significant for African basketball. Following their historic BAL championship run, RSSB Tigers have already secured their place in the 2026 Intercontinental Cup and will represent Africa against champions from other regions of the world.

Among the clubs already qualified for the 2026 edition are:

• RSSB Tigers (Basketball Africa League champions)
• Rytas Vilnius (Basketball Champions League Europe champions)
• Boca Juniors (Basketball Champions League Americas champions)

Additional participants will be confirmed in the coming months.

A Growing Global Competition

Over its 35 editions, the Intercontinental Cup has welcomed clubs from six continents and become one of the most prestigious tournaments in world basketball. European clubs have historically dominated the competition with 24 titles, while Spain remains the most successful nation with 12 championships.

For Africa, the tournament continues to provide an opportunity to measure its top clubs against the best teams from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. After recent appearances by clubs such as Al Ahly SC, Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly Ly, the spotlight now turns to the RSSB Tigers as they prepare to carry Africa’s hopes onto the world stage in Beijing this September.

The 2026 edition is scheduled to tip off in late September, opening a new era for one of basketball’s most prestigious club competitions.