Photo: Nanfang Plus
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has confirmed that the global season-opening event of the FIBA 3×3 Challenger will be held in the Guangdong–Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin in April 2026. The announcement follows the signing of a five-year agreement between FIBA and the Livelihood Affairs Bureau of Hengqin, designating the island as the host of the season's opening stop from 2026 through 2030.
The Hengqin event will be classified as a Level 9 tournament within FIBA's ranking system, with points earned contributing directly to Olympic qualification, underscoring its significance in the international 3×3 basketball calendar.
The agreement followed a visit to Europe earlier this month by a delegation from the Livelihood Affairs Bureau of Hengqin. During the trip, the delegation engaged with international sports organizations to discuss Hengqin's growing role as a platform for global sporting events, as well as its infrastructure, policy support, and the development of a sports culture shared with neighboring Macao.
Photo: Nanfang Plus
During the same visit, the delegation also explored football development opportunities in Portugal and Spain, visiting institutions including Sporting CP, the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy, and RCD Espanyol. Several organizations expressed interest in introducing international football youth training programs and related cultural initiatives to Hengqin.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
Editor: Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
