Slovenia to co-host EuroBasket 2029
Slovenia will co-host the 2029 European Basketball Championship along with Spain, Greece and Estonia, FIBA, basketball's global governing body.
Ljubljana, Athens and Tallinn will host only group games in what will be the 43rd edition of the competition, while Madrid will host one group and the final phase, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.
"We are excited to bring FIBA EuroBasket 2029 to some of Europe's prime basketball destinations, each with a strong basketball culture and a clear commitment to delivering an outstanding event," said FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa.
Slovenia last hosted Europe's basketball elite in 2013, which was also the last time the competition was held in a single host country. This will be the fourth consecutive tournament with multiple co-hosts.
Matej Erjavec, the chair of the Slovenian Basketball Association, received the news with "a mix of pride, relief and nervousness".
"For us, this is confirmation of good work and a huge commitment for the next four years. For Slovenia, this is the maximum of what our basketball can hope for when it comes to organising major competitions."
Erjavec hopes that Stožice Arena, the chosen venue, will be filled to capacity as people flock to see stars such as Luka Dončić. "Everyone will be in Stožice to see Dončić play with the new guys."
