Smart kicks off coverage of 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

Smart Communications, Inc. and FIBA announced their partnership on Monday ahead of the telco’s coverage of the upcoming games in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this week.

Smart is the official global brand partner of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the Philippines, along with Japan and Indonesia. The final phase of the Basketball World Cup will be held here in August of 2023.

“This partnership is special on so many levels because it has been a long time since the country hosted an international basketball event. Since the pandemic, an event as massive as this will likely spark hope in the country that things are getting better. And what better way to feel hope than cheering for our own Gilas Pilipinas team right in our homecourt once again,” said Smart President and CEO Al Panililio, who is also President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

The Gilas Pilipinas national team will be competing in the February window of the Asian qualifiers from February 24 to 28, with games against South Korea, India, and New Zealand.

Smart will be giving away free tickets to the World Cup events and tournament windows. Games will also be streamed live on Smart’s GigaPlay App. They will also display the Naismith Trophy – the official trophy of the FIBA Basketball World Cup – in select Smart stores this month.

—JMB, GMA News