THE Philippines will play host to the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in 2027.

FIBA announced on Thursday the country's upcoming hosting of a continental basketball championship after 14 years.

The last time the Philippines staged an event of such magnitude was in 2013 with the FIBA Asia Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In the event, Gilas Pilipinas booked a ticket to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 after beating Korea in the semifinals.

The national team then lost to Iran in the gold medal match.

This time around, Gilas Women will look to replicate the magical run of the Men several years ago.

The announcement came ahead of the FIBA Women's Asian Cup 2025 to be held in Shenzhen, China from July 13 to 20.

The Philippines is bracketed in Division A and will go up against powerhouse squads Japan, Australia, and Lebanon in Group B.

The country is also coming from hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

“We are excited to return to the Philippines for a FIBA Asia event,” said FIBA Asia executive director Hagop Khajirian.

The hosting was awarded to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas during the FIBA Asia Board meeting last June 26.

“We believe hosting the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup event in the Philippines, where basketball has a passionate following, will help FIBA’s efforts to promote women’s basketball in Asia. The event will also serve as a boost to the SBP’s efforts to promote women’s basketball in the Philippines,” Khajirian added.

SBP president Al Panlilio said the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup hosting is a perfect opportunity to further the growth of women’s basketball in the Philippines.

“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is proud to be the host for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027,” said SBP president Al Panlilio. “The federation has always been an ardent partner of FIBA in prioritizing the growth of women’s basketball, and it’s about time for the Philippines to do even more.”

“The timing is perfect for the Philippines to host this competition as women’s basketball in the country currently has great momentum behind it with the foundation of a women’s professional league and some of our national team players getting opportunities to play abroad.”

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