IWBF Announces Inaugural 3x3 Open World Championship in South Africa

The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) is excited to share that Wheelchair Basketball South Africa (WBSA) has been chosen to host the first-ever IWBF 3x3 Open World Championships for both men and women. This significant event is scheduled for August 1-3, 2025, at the famous Sun City resort in South Africa. Teams will be arriving on July 29 and leaving on August 4, 2025.

This will be the inaugural IWBF 3x3 World Championship, representing a major milestone in the evolution of wheelchair basketball. Choosing South Africa as the host country not only reflects its experience in organizing regional tournaments but also offers Africa a fantastic chance to display its enthusiasm for wheelchair basketball to the world.

The IWBF has pinpointed 3x3 wheelchair basketball as a key focus area, acknowledging the opportunity it presents for smaller countries and individual athletes to showcase their talents internationally. This championship aims to capitalize on the success of recent tournaments like the 3x3 Europe Cup and the 3x3 events at the Commonwealth Games, which have proven that this format can attract new fans and promote the sport on a global scale.

IWBF President Ulf Mehrens shared his excitement about the upcoming event:

Craig Moorgas, the President of Wheelchair Basketball South Africa, shared this enthusiasm:

This announcement comes after the first-ever 3x3 World Championships were called off in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The IWBF and WBSA are now working together to ensure that the 2025 championship is a significant event for the worldwide wheelchair basketball community.

More information, such as the countries involved, ticket sales, and broadcasting details, will be shared in the next few months.