The branding and logo of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027. Handout/FIBA
MANILA – The newly opened state-of-the-art arena in Cebu City will be the host of the 2027 FIBA Women's Asia Cup in July next year.
The Philippines is hosting the biggest women's basketball competition for the first time, with eight teams competing for glory and for the crown.
READ: PH to host FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2027
The venue of the major competition will be the newly opened SM Seaside Arena, which will also host the concert of the nation's girl group BINI this weekend.
In an unveiling ceremony on Wednesday in Cebu City, the brand and logo for the 2027 edition of the tournament was formally revealed to the public.
The ceremony was attended by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Ricky Vargas, SBP Executive Director Erika Dy, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr.
The tournament logo symbolizes FIBA's principles combined with local Cebu culture like its official colors, city seal and traditional Filipino weaving patterns, anchored by the FIBA Women's Asia Cup trophy launched last year.
"The FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2027 provides a platform for the fans in the Philippines to witness the best of women's basketball right in their own country and for the global fans to experience the passion for the sport in the Philippines," FIBA Asia President Dr. K. Govindaraj said.
FIBA Executive Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian said the Women's Asia Cup ranks 'very high' in the list of the federation's competitions.
"The FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2027 is another step towards consolidating the gains made in the last few years both in terms of excellence in competition and enhancement of women's basketball," Khajirian said.
"The brand we unveiled is an accurate presentation is an attempt to encapsulate the entire experience that FIBA Women's Asia Cup promises to deliver, especially to the fans of women's basketball in the Philippines and globally," he added.
READ: Cebu as a venue for FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2027? 'It's an option,' says SBP boss
The SBP said it is an honor to host the 2027 edition of the tournament, expressing its gratitude to FIBA for the opportunity to also showcase Filipino hoops and culture.
"Bringing one of Asia's premier basketball events to the Philippines reflects the confidence that FIBA has in our ability to organize world-class competitions and in the passion of Filipino basketball fans," Vargas said.
For the SBP Executive Director, she believes the country's hosting will give Gilas Pilipinas Women a platform to display the growth of the program.
"Our focus has always been on developing a team that can compete consistently at the highest level in Asia, and having the tournament on home soil provides a platform for our players to inspire the next generation of Filipina basketball players," Dy added.
Gilas Pilipinas Women is currently No. 30 in the latest world rankings, following their historic win over Colombia in the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifiers last March.
The 2027 FIBA Women's Asia Cup is scheduled for July 10 to 18, 2027.
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