There will be satisfaction for Spain who proudly claim second spot in the rankings after they moved up two places, helped by their bronze medal success at the U17 Worlds, a silver at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 and third-place finish at the FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2024. In the meantime, France is losing valuable points from their 2nd place finish at the FIBA U17 Women's World Cup 2018, as this competition is no longer factored into the ranking calculation.
Japan can enjoy jumping three positions as they now reflect on finding themselves in an impressive 6th spot. This was fueled mainly by their 6th place finish in Mexico at the FIBA U17 Women's World Cup this summer and a bronze at the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2024 in Shenzhen.
A coveted Top 10 place is now a tangible target for Italy after they shot up four places into 11th. They rose above Germany, Czechia, Mali and Croatia thanks mainly to having accrued more ranking points in their U17 Worlds appearance.
Meanwhile Serbia are celebrating their advancement of three spots as they went up to 13th after claiming the last podium step at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024.
That was also the reason for Portugal picking up the prestige of being the biggest climber inside the Top 20 as they rocket upwards by six places and into 17th. This came after a big home crowd in Matosinhos roared them to a top five finish at the event and also a dream ticket to the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025.
There were also significantly positive upward moves by Israel and New Zealand. The former shot up 9 places into 23rd after making the Semi-Finals of the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024, while New Zealand are now 7 spots better off than previously in 24th.
The most striking vertical climb in the Top 50 was racked up by Rwanda whose ascendancy caught the eye in a big way after they improved 23 places. They are now 45th in the rankings after making the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket 2024.
For more information about the method used in the calculation of the FIBA World Ranking Youth Women, please refer to the 'How it works' section.
Click here to view the full FIBA World Ranking Girls, presented by Nike.
NBA AND NIKE TO HOST SECOND EYBL SCHOLASTIC SHOWCASE IN LAS VEGAS IN CONJUNCTION WITH EMIRATES NBA CUP
– Nike’s The Chosen-1’s Invitational powered by LeBron James will Take Place Alongside EYBL Scholastic Showcase; All EYBL Scholastic Showcase Games and Two Chosen-1’s Invitational Games will Stream on the NBA App–
– EYBL Scholastic Showcase will Feature Regular-Season EYBL Scholastic Games and Leadership Development Programming for Top High School Players as Part of the NBA and Nike’s Efforts to Elevate Basketball at All Levels –
NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2024 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Nike today announced that the second edition of the Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) Scholastic Showcase – a basketball competition and player development event for six top high school basketball programs – will take place from Thursday, Dec. 12 – Monday, Dec. 16 in Las Vegas as part of the Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals and Championship.
EYBL Scholastic’s AZ Compass (Chandler, Ariz.), Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.), Link Academy (Branson, Mo.), Long Island Lutheran High School (Brookeville, N.Y.), Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) and Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) will play a series of high school basketball games at Dolby Live (Dec. 13 and 15), T-Mobile Arena (Dec. 15) and Bishop Gorman High School (Dec. 16).
The event will take place alongside The Chosen-1’s Invitational powered by LeBron James, a showcase and competition for 12 teams that will be hosted at Dolby Live on Dec. 14-15 and is free to attend. All five EYBL Scholastic Showcase games and two Chosen-1’s Invitational games will stream on the NBA App with highlights featured on NBA Future Starts Now.
EYBL Scholastic Showcase teams will participate in a variety of personal development and community activities throughout the week, headlined by the NBA Cares Day of Service benefitting members of the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA. They will also take part in leadership and life skills seminars and attend the Emirates NBA Cup Eastern Conference Semifinals game on Saturday, Dec. 14 as part of the multi-day experience. Additionally, EYBL Scholastic coaches will participate in a coaching development session.
The event is part of the NBA and Nike’s collective commitment to enhance and expand basketball for the next generation that was announced as part of the 12-year partnership extension ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
The schedule of games on the NBA App is below, with all EYBL Scholastic Showcase games being open to NBA team front office personnel for player evaluation purposes.
| | Friday, Dec. 13 | | |
Team 1 | | Team 2 | | Location | | Event | | Platform | | PT | | |
AZ Compass | | Brewster Academy | | Dolby Live | | EYBL Scholastic Showcase | | NBA App | | 7 p.m. | | |
| | Saturday, Dec. 14 | | |
Sierra Canyon (Girls) | | Bishop Gorman (Girls) | | Dolby Live | | Chosen-1’s Invitational | | NBA App | | 7 p.m. | | | |
Sierra Canyon
(Boys) | | Coronado High School (Boys) | | Dolby Live | | Chosen-1’s Invitational | | NBA App | | 9 p.m. | | | |
| | Sunday, Dec. 15 | | |
Team 1 | | Team 2 | | Location | | Event | | Platform | | PT | | |
AZ Compass | | Sunrise Christian Academy | | Dolby Live | | EYBL Scholastic Showcase | | NBA App | | 11 a.m. | | |
Montverde Academy | | Brewster Academy | | Dolby Live | | EYBL Scholastic Showcase | | NBA App | | 1 p.m. | | |
Long Island Lutheran | | Link Academy | | T-Mobile Arena | | EYBL Scholastic Showcase | | NBA App | | 7 p.m. | | |
| | Monday, Dec. 16 | | |
Team 1 | | Team 2 | | Location | | Event | | Platform | | PT | | |
Long Island Lutheran | | Sunrise Christian Academy | | Bishop Gorman High School | | EYBL Scholastic Showcase | | NBA App | | 4 p.m. | | |
Nike EYBL, the premier spring and summer youth basketball circuit comprised of top high school-age male and female players in the country, extended its programming to a year-round basis with the launch of EYBL Scholastic last year. As part of their ongoing partnership and shared commitment to creating more opportunities to support the development of top high school age players, the NBA and Nike have collaborated to host on- and off-court programming at Peach Jam and Nike Nationals focused on coach education and training, life skills and leadership development, player health and wellness, and female coach recruitment and retention support.
More than 230 NBA and WNBA players have EYBL experience, and 13 EYBL teams are currently sponsored by NBA and WNBA players, including Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Sabrina Ionescu, LeBron James, Kia Nurse, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook.
Nike, which has been an NBA partner since 1992, has served as the official on-court apparel provider of the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League since the 2017-18 season as well as the Basketball Africa League (BAL) since 2021.
NBA Tips Off Christmas Day with “Jingle Hoops Regifted”
The NBA today debuted its Christmas Day brand campaign, “Jingle Hoops Regifted,” an animated remix of the league’s popular 2013 Jingle Hoops commercial. “Jingle Hoops Regifted” is now streaming across all NBA social media platforms and in the NBA App. The spot will premiere in broadcast tonight during the Emirates NBA Cup East quarterfinal matchup between the Orlando Magic and the Milwaukee Bucks at 7 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV and Max.
The new campaign opens with a familiar shot of five players practicing three-pointers to the tune of the Christmas classic “Jingle Bells.” The cast, reimagined as animated action figures, includes three players also featured in the original 2013 ad, Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns) and LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), now joined by Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).
As the players put up shots, they are interrupted by Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers) and Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), who all boldly swoop in to play out a new melody. A toy figurine of ESPN’s Malika Andrews and a bobblehead of NBA on ABC’s Mike Breen also appear, providing commentary on the chaos.
Watch “Jingle Hoops Regifted” here.
“Jingle Hoops Regifted” was produced in collaboration with Translation and directed by Dave Scanlon with live-action and animation by Passion Pictures. In addition to the 30-second ad, the campaign will feature four 10-second vignettes and will be extended through complementary out-of-home, digital, social and audio assets.
Fans can also celebrate the 77th year of the NBA on Christmas Day by visiting the NBA Hoopin’ Holiday Bus as it rolls through New York City on Dec. 21 and 22. The NBA and ESPN are partnering on the activation, which will host fans of all ages for holiday fun, games, photo opportunities, hot cocoa and special surprises outside of the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue from 11-7 p.m. on Dec. 21 and near the Union Square holiday market from 11-7 p.m. on Dec. 22.
The NBA will feature five games on Christmas Day (Wednesday, Dec. 25) for the 17th year in a row, with each matchup available on ESPN, ABC, ESPN+ and Disney+. The NBA on Christmas Day will tip off with the Spurs facing the Knicks in a first-time matchup on Christmas Day (noon ET). A special alternate cast of the game, titled “Dunk the Halls,” will appear on ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+, marking the first animated presentation of an NBA game.
The Christmas Day slate continues with a 2024 Western Conference Finals rematch between the Mavericks and Timberwolves (2:30 p.m. ET), followed by the 76ers visiting the defending NBA champion Celtics (5 p.m. ET) and the Warriors hosting the Lakers (8 p.m. ET). The Christmas Day schedule will conclude when the Suns host the Nuggets (10:30 p.m. ET).
TIMBERWOLVES’ ANTHONY EDWARDS FINED
NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2024 – Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been fined $25,000 for using profane language during a media interview, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
Edward’s comments came during postgame media availability following the Timberwolves’ 107-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 6 at Chase Center.
SPURS’ ZACH COLLINS FINED
NEW YORK, Dec. 7, 2024 – San Antonio Spurs forward-center Zach Collins has been fined $35,000 for making an obscene gesture on the playing court following his ejection, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
The incident occurred with 9:07 remaining in the second quarter of the Spurs’ 140-113 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 6 at Frost Bank Center.
CELTICS’ JAYLEN BROWN FINED
NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2024 – Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown has been fined $25,000 for making an inappropriate gesture on the playing court, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
The incident occurred with 0:12 remaining in the first quarter of the Celtics’ 130-120 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 4 at TD Garden.
Competition format changes for women tops FIBA Central Board meeting |
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| DECEMBER 6, 2024 MIES (Switzerland) - The FIBA Central Board convened at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball, FIBA's headquarters, to wrap up an exciting year that was filled with numerous highlights and achievements.
The following key topics were discussed at the meeting:
FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments and Olympic Games 2024
The Central Board approved the reports on this year’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments 2024 that were played in Greece, Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain, and the Olympic Basketball Tournaments Paris 2024 for both men and women.
The 2024 summer of international basketball had record-breaking engagement levels on all FIBA digital platforms for an Olympic year, with exceptional numbers across the entire spectrum of social media and website metrics for all 2024 FIBA events directly linked to the Olympic Games. Basketball fans of the 2024 Olympics also delivered an outstanding performance, turning out in exceptional numbers in Lille and Paris and helping break the Olympic attendance record. A total of 1,078,319 fans attended the Women's and Men's Olympic Basketball Tournaments.
The Central Board has also acknowledged that the early starting date of the LA28 Olympic Games on July 14, 2028, will require, even after necessary adjustments in the professional league calendars in June 2028, joint efforts among the International Olympic Committee, FIBA and LA28 to facilitate the logistics for the teams qualifying from the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, which will take place between June 26 and July 2, 2028.
FIBA Continental Cups 2025 Qualifiers
Reports were received on the recent Window 2 of the FIBA Continental Cups 2025 Qualifiers, including preparations for the FIBA EuroBasket, FIBA AfroBasket, FIBA Asia Cup and FIBA AmeriCup for both men and women. These flagship continental events are scheduled to take place in 2025, with the recent round of Qualifiers drawing large crowds across the globe.
FIBA Basketball World Cups Bidding Process
The Central Board has approved an open-ended parallel bidding process for both the men's and women's FIBA Basketball World Cups. This process mirrors the one used for the 2026 and 2027 World Cups, allowing candidates to submit their proposals when they are ready.
The bidding process for the next FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup will begin in July 2025, while the process for the FIBA Basketball World Cup will start in November 2025.
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026
Preparations for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 continue with the Central Board approving the latest report, which included details on the recent Pre-Qualifying Tournaments held in August 2024 in Mexico and Rwanda.
Upon proposals from the FIBA Sub-Commission for Women’s National Teams, the Central Board has approved two format changes: - Qualifying Tournaments for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 will be played in four groups of six teams, with all teams playing each other in a round robin system, increasing the window length to 11 days.
- The FIBA Women's Olympics Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2026 will be played with eight teams, two groups of four, with the winner qualifying to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments 2028.
FIBA U17 and U19 Basketball World Cups
The Central Board approved reports on both the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cups set for 2026 and preparations for both the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025, to be played in June in the Olympic Capital of Switzerland, and the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025 in Brno, Czechia in July. The draws for both U19 World Cups have been finalized and are set for early 2025. The men's draw will be held in Lausanne on January 31, while the women's draw is scheduled for February 4 in Brno.
3x3
The Central Board received detailed season reports for both the 2024 3x3 Women's Series and the 3x3 World Tour. The 3x3 Women's Series reached record-breaking engagement, with the Final bringing the 2024 season to a close in Hangzhou, China, on September 7 and 8.
Meanwhile, throughout an exciting 3x3 World Tour season at 17 iconic locations, some of the world’s best 3x3 basketball players thrilled fans worldwide. The season concluded with an exciting Final on November 24 in Hong Kong, China, which was a repeat of the Paris 2024 Olympics Gold Medal game.
With both competitions continuing to raise the bar year-on-year, these updates highlighted the significant achievements and milestones reached throughout the season, as well as the global outlook for 3x3 in 2025.
Club Competitions
The Central Board approved reports on several key club competition events, including the FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2024 in Singapore, the Basketball Africa League Season 4 and the Road to BAL 2025, the Basketball Champions League, Basketball Champions League Americas, Basketball Champions League Asia, and the other club competitions held in Asia.
FIBA Plus
An update was presented on FIBA Plus, which highlighted that 112 National Federations received support through FIBA Plus activities, either in Planning or Implementation Support in 2024. A comprehensive update was also given on the FIBA Academy, which is set to be operational in 2025.
eFIBA
The Central Board received a season report on eFIBA Season 3, detailing the progress and achievements of the competition. Additionally, preparations for the highly anticipated eFIBA World Finals, set to take place in the Philippines next week on December 11 and 12, were presented.
Other Matters
The Central Board has approved the concept of Masters events to engage players in the 40+ age category, with the objective to implement the first ever Masters competition for Basketball and 3x3 in 2026.
Following the findings of the latest International Basketball Migration Report 2024, the Central Board has approved the creation of an expert group focused on Young Players and the NCAA. This initiative aims to deepen the understanding of developments within the NCAA, particularly concerning player remuneration and its implications for clubs, leagues and National Federations.
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BROOKLYN NETS AND PHOENIX SUNS TO PLAY TWO PRESEASON GAMES IN MACAO IN OCTOBER 2025 - Nets and Suns to Play Preseason Games on Oct. 10 and 12, 2025 at The Venetian Arena - MACAO, CHINA AND NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2024 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Sands China Ltd. (HKEx: 1928.HK) today announced a multiyear collaboration to bring NBA China Games to Macao, beginning in 2025 when the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns will play two preseason games on Friday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 12 at The Venetian Arena. The NBA and Sands will conduct interactive fan activities, NBA Cares community outreach initiatives, and lifestyle events that will bring the NBA experience to fans in Macao throughout the year, including an NBA Fan Day during the week of the games that will feature celebrity performances and the opportunity to watch the teams, celebrities and influencers participate in oncourt activities and skills competitions. Ahead of the games, an NBA Flagship Store will open at The Londoner Macao and provide fans in Macao and visiting from around the world with a wide range of authentic and customizable NBA merchandise from major brands such as Nike, Mitchell & Ness, New Era, Wilson and NBA Kids. Sands hosted an event today at The Londoner Arena in Macao where the announcement was made by NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, Las Vegas Sands (LVS) President and Chief Operating Officer and Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont, and Sands China Ltd. (SCL) President and Chief Executive Officer Grant Chum. Joining them on stage were Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE) Global Executive Vice President of Global Partnerships Catherine Carlson, Phoenix Suns Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer Dan Costello, and NBA Legends Ray Allen, DeMarcus Cousins, Stephon Marbury, Tracy McGrady, Cuttino Mobley and Tony Parker. The Nets currently feature 2023 FIBA World Cup gold medalist Dennis Schröder (Germany), 2023 USA Basketball Men’s National Team member Cam Johnson (U.S.) and three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons (Australia). The Suns currently feature four-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant (U.S.), two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker (U.S.), and three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal (U.S.). The NBA China Games 2025 presented by 88VIP will reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media. Ticket sales information will be announced at a later date. In addition to presenting partner 88VIP, the games and surrounding events will be supported by a roster of marketing partners, including Ant International, Ctrip, Mengniu, Nike and Tissot. Sands China, the Official Integrated Resort Partner of NBA China, will serve as the Official Promoter of the games. Executive Quotes: NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum: “Bringing preseason games to Macao will showcase the excitement of the NBA to fans in one of the world’s emerging hubs for sports. The Nets and the Suns feature an exciting mix of established and rising stars, and we look forward to engaging fans, aspiring players and the local community in Macao through these games and a variety of interactive events, youth development programs and social impact initiatives.” LVS President and Chief Operating Officer and Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont: “NBA basketball is a global sport that attracts people of different ages, backgrounds and cultures. It creates exciting experiences that connect people while playing a positive role in communities. Sands is honored to bring The NBA China Games to Macao so that the most elite level of basketball can be experienced directly by the fans who are so passionate about it. We look forward to welcoming the NBA to Macao next October.” SCL President and Chief Executive Officer Grant Chum: “Today’s announcement marks the beginning of an exciting multiyear collaboration between Sands China and the NBA. We are thrilled to be bringing The NBA China Games to Macao and to create opportunities for basketball fans from around the world to celebrate the best of sports. This association reflects Sands China’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests and our local community by providing a diverse spectrum of sports and lifestyle events throughout the year.” Brooklyn Nets General Manager Sean Marks:
“We always love the opportunity to compete on the global stage and we are grateful to participate in The NBA China Games 2025. The Brooklyn Nets have an incredible fanbase around the globe and we can’t wait to bring our love of the game directly to our fans while giving our players and coaches the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture.” Phoenix Suns Chief Executive Officer Josh Bartelstein: “We are excited to bring the Phoenix Suns to Macao next year to compete in front of our passionate fans in the region. Participating in The NBA China Games 2025 is part of our owner Mat Ishbia’s vision to bring the Suns to a global audience and impact fans across the world.” ROCKETS’ IME UDOKA, TARI EASON AND ALPEREN SENGUN FINED NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2024 – Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, forward Tari Eason and center Alperen Sengun have been fined $50,000, $35,000 and $15,000, respectively, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. Udoka has been fined $50,000 for confronting and directing profane language toward a game official, failing to leave the court in a timely manner after being ejected, and public criticism of the officiating during his postgame press conference. Eason has been fined $35,000 for throwing a towel and directing inappropriate language in the direction of a fan in the spectator stands after the game had concluded. Sengun has been fined $15,000 for directing inappropriate language toward a game official. The in-game incident, for which Udoka and Sengun were both assessed technical fouls and ejected, occurred with 1:52 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Rockets’ 120-111 loss to the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
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