All eyes will be on Filipina dribblers after the country was awarded to host the FIBA Asia Cup 2027, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Regional Office announced.

According to FIBA Asia executive director Hagop Khajirian, they are thrilled to bring the prestigious continental event to the basketball-crazy country for the first time in more than a decade.

The last time the Filipinos hosted a continental meet was in 2013 when the FIBA Asia Men’s Championship was held at the Mall of Asia Arena, an event that was made memorable by Gilas Pilipinas’ runner-up finish that led to its return to the FIBA World Championship in Spain in 2014.

Upon seeing the support of Filipino fans, FIBA eventually handed the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) the right to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023.

“We are excited to return to the Philippines for a FIBA Asia event,” Khajirian said in a statement posted on the FIBA website.

“We believe hosting the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup event in the Philippines, where basketball has a passionate following, will help FIBA’s efforts to promote women’s basketball in Asia. The event will also serve as a boost to the SBP’s efforts to promote women’s basketball in the Philippines.”

Khajirian added that they decided to hold the Asian tourney in the Philippines since it is a role model in pushing for the development of women’s basketball.

“The hosts for the calendar ahead were decided based upon not only organizational capacity, but also for the potential of creating a logical progression for basketball development in their countries,” Khajirian added.

SBP president Al Panlilio is thrilled to roll out the red carpet for the prestigious event that will feature all the best lady cagers in Asia.

After all, women’s basketball in the country is gaining ground with the establishment of various leagues like the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is proud to be the host for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027. The federation has always been an ardent partner of FIBA in prioritizing the growth of women’s basketball, and it’s about time for the Philippines to do even more,” Panlilio said.

“The timing is perfect for the Philippines to host this competition as women’s basketball in the country currently has great momentum behind it with the foundation of a women’s professional league and some of our national team players getting opportunities to play abroad.”