The success of international basketball at the 2024 Olympics has set the stage for an even bigger spectacle in 2028. As the dust settles on a record-breaking Paris Games, anticipation is already building for what lies ahead.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis expressed his excitement for the upcoming Olympics, stating, “Everybody speaks about it in the most complimentary terms.” Zagklis, who is a member of the International Olympic Committee’s coordination commission for LA 2028, had the opportunity to tour the Intuit Dome site while it was still under construction. He emphasized that the arena was designed with the fans in mind, ensuring an excellent experience for both spectators and players.
“This is an arena that has been designed for the fans, for the experience of the fans,” Zagklis said. “So, I think, I expect excellent images and top-level experience for our players.”
The $2 billion arena is set to host its first event on Thursday, a Bruno Mars concert. Despite its grandeur, the venue will have a generic name for the Olympics in adherence to IOC rules that prohibit corporate names. This practice was also followed at the recent Paris Games, where Accor Arena was referred to as Bercy Arena during competition.
In other news, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed plans to strengthen the league’s presence in Europe. Silver disclosed that the NBA is in discussions with FIBA on ways to enhance its competitive footprint in the region, potentially through an annual tournament or an NBA-operated league.
Zagklis confirmed the ongoing talks between the NBA and FIBA, highlighting their longstanding relationship. “It is natural for us to have discussions on a new project on broadening our cooperation in either new continents or other areas of our sport,” Zagklis noted. “There are, indeed, continuous discussions.”
As basketball continues to expand its global reach, the future looks bright for the sport on the international stage. With the next Olympics just around the corner, fans can expect an even greater showcase of talent and competition in 2028.
