FIBA and IWBF strengthen cooperation

FIBA and IWBF (International Wheelchair Basketball Federation) have strengthened their partnership with the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding until the end of 2023.

The two world governing bodies for the sports of basketball and wheelchair basketball have extended the agreement that will see them continue to work closely with the same goal: to make basketball, in whatever version, the most popular sports community.

This newly signed agreement will enhance the collaboration between IWBF and FIBA, with a special focus on 3×3, broadcast initiatives, and marketing concepts in the wheelchair game, which IWBF hopes to develop with the support of FIBA, a true leader in the world of sport, particularly within those facets.

FIBA Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis said:

“FIBA has been working closely with the IWBF for numerous years, and we are delighted to continue this collaboration. Our experience and knowledge gained in developing a new discipline within our sport and the excellent broadcasting standards achieved at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China last year can only help the IWBF in their vision for the future. We look forward to supporting the IWBF over the next four years in their new developments and initiatives.”

IWBF President, Ulf Mehrens, said:

“We are extremely honoured to be considered part of the FIBA family and thrilled to be able continue to develop further links between the two formats and promote inclusion throughout the basketball community.

“As a federation, IWBF is relatively small and young, therefore, to be able to have the support and guidance from FIBA’s extensive knowledge and experience is imperative and invaluable to be able to help grow the federation and establish a sustainable and independent future for the sport.”

The beneficial working relationship was established in 1992, by the then IWBF President, Sir Philip Craven MBE and the former FIBA Secretary General Borislav Stankovic following the creation of an independent wheelchair basketball federation. IWBF is recognised as a basketball organisation under the FIBA General Statutes.