Israel bid to host 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup
Israel Basketball Association President Amiram Halevy said: “Israel has a huge passion for basketball, there are few countries where basketball is as popular or more popular than football. Israel is one of these.
“There is no doubt that hosting the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup would bring tremendous momentum to Israeli basketball and in particular to the women’s game in the country and beyond.”
Despite Israel being one of Europe’s most successful countries in terms of the men’s game – Maccabi Tel Aviv winning the Euroleague title for the fifth time earlier this year, the women’s has never qualified for either the World Championships or Olympic Games.
Israel’s Minister of Culture and Sport Uri Schaefer said: “Israel has an extensive international experience – and proven success – in organising and hosting large-scale sporting events. Our Ministry will provide the IBA with the financial support and the relevant assitance.
“Israel has many advantages in hosting the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, including state-of-the-art arenas and stadiums that have been built in the past few years and that are all within short driving distances.
“The country also has a great welcoming weather throughout the year and numerous attractions off the courts for both athletes and fans, modern transportation and hotels and many sport fans that will fill the venues during the event.”
Israel has previously hosted the Women’s European Championships in 1991, Women’s U18 Championship in 20009 and Men’s U18 European Championship in 2010.
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