Philippines to host eFIBA Season 3 World Finals in December

The Philippines will host the world finals of eFIBA Season 3 later this year in Clark.

FIBA confirmed the development on Wednesday, adding that the finals will be held at the SMX Clark Convention Center on December 11 and 12.

"Clark has already held multi-sport events, including the Southeast Asian Games in 2019. Now, we're excited to host the Season 3 eFIBA World Finals here," Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said in a statement.

"We felt that Clark was the perfect place for this event as participants can enjoy world-class amenities in a more relaxed, laidback vibe with our usual Filipino hospitality."

The confirmation came a year after the country also hosted the FIBA World Cup and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said the Philippines' love for basketball was among the considerations in being selected as the host country.

"It's an exciting prospect to be having this season's eFIBA World Finals in the Philippines since we all know the passion the country has for our sport," Zagklis said.

"This was one more time confirmed last year at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and now we can't wait to see the most high-profile eFIBA event taking place there, too."

Regional champions from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, North and South America, and Oceania will compete, along with the runners-up from Europe. A total of 40 players are expected to compete in the tourney which will use the latest NBA2K25 in PS5 for the title and a share of $50,000 prize pool.

The eight teams will compete against each other in two groups while the top two of each group will progress to the semis, then the finals.

USA currently holds the eFIBA title.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News