Lille to Host Events at 2031 FIBA Basketball World Cup as Metropole Prepares for International Competition

France has been officially announced as the host nation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2031, marking the first time the country will host the premier international men’s basketball tournament.

The tournament will be held across three French cities: Lille, Lyon, and Paris, with Paris set to host the final phase of the competition.

The event is scheduled to run from August 29 to September 14, 2031, featuring a revised format with three phases and eight groups of four teams in the initial round.

This decision represents a significant milestone for French basketball, as the country had never previously hosted a FIBA Basketball World Cup despite its strong basketball heritage and prior success in hosting other major international sporting events.

The French Basketball Federation (FFBB) secured the hosting rights after a bid process that encountered no major obstacles, with FFBB President Jean-Pierre Hunckler having previously expressed confidence in the candidacy, stating there were “no red lights” in the process.

France’s successful bid comes after previous disappointments, including an unsuccessful attempt to host the 2010 World Cup, making this victory particularly meaningful for the federation and French basketball community.

The selection underscores France’s proven ability to organize large-scale international competitions, following the success of recent high-profile events such as the Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games, and highlights the country’s state-of-the-art arenas, efficient transport networks, and passionate sports culture.