The Gilas Pilipinas Women celebrate their win against Lebanon in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025. FIBA photo
MANILA -- Cebu may host "a few games" when the FIBA Women's Asia Cup takes place in the Philippines in 2027, the president of the national basketball federation said on Monday.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio told reporters that the SM Seaside Arena, which is still under construction, is being considered as a possible venue for the continental tournament.
"A possibility, I was talking to Mr. Hans Sy, MOA Cebu is available already by that time," said Panlilio, referring to the multi-purpose facility that is being built close to the SM Seaside City complex.
"I think it should finish sometime next year. So, that's an option," he added. "I hear it's even a better version of MOA [Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City], because they've learned from MOA."
"What I'm told is that there are two courts -- one practice court and the actual playing court. So, it would be good, nice to bring a few games or maybe a group in Cebu."
The Philippines will host the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in 2027, as confirmed earlier this month by the FIBA Regional Office-Asia. This marks the first time since 2013 that the country will host a continental-level basketball tournament.
READ: PH to host FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2027
READ: Pato, SBP discuss PH’s 2027 Asia Cup hosting, other future plans with FIBA
The Gilas Pilipinas Women will be competing in Division A of the tournament in 2027, after their sixth-place finish in this year's edition in China.
According to Panlilio, the federation is working to ensure that the Gilas Women will be more competitive by then.
"I think we also might need a naturalized player for women's. A bigger player, or somebody like Jack [Animam], para naman may katulong si Jack. But Jack was massive in China," he said.
As it stands, Panlilio is already pleased with the progress made by the Gilas Women. They retained their place in Division A of FIBA Asia after a thrilling win against Lebanon in the Women's Asia Cup, and also secured a place in the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup qualifiers.
READ: Gilas Women escape Lebanon in thriller, book World Cup Qualifiers ticket
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