Sue Bird and FIBA Unveil Brand for Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026
The anticipation for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 in Germany continues to build as the unveiling of the event’s visual identity marks a significant milestone on the ‘Road to Germany’. The 20th edition of this prestigious competition is set to take place in September 2026 at two premium venues, Arena Berlin and Max-Schmeling Halle. With an expanded field of 16 teams, the tournament reflects the growing popularity of women’s basketball on a global scale.
Inspired by the vibrant urban style and renowned sub-culture of Berlin, the brand for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 captures the essence of the city as a united metropolis that loves to party and celebrate. The visual identity, designed by sports branding experts UnitedSenses, brings together Berlin’s street art scene with the heroes of women’s basketball, creating a unique and compelling representation of the event.
UnitedSenses, known for their work on previous FIBA projects such as the broadcast branding for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, has crafted a visual identity that embodies the spirit of Berlin while celebrating the women’s basketball competition. The hashtag #WeOwnTheGame will be used to promote the event, serving as a bold declaration of ownership over the court and the game itself.
The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 aims to build on the success of the 2022 edition in Sydney, which was praised for its incredible digital engagement levels and attendance at games. The upcoming event in Germany comes at a time of significant momentum for basketball in the country, with the national team’s impressive performances at recent tournaments showcasing their rising talent and potential.
Ambassador for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026, Sue Bird, expressed her excitement for the upcoming event, highlighting the importance of enjoying the journey leading up to the competition in two years’ time. Bird emphasized the significance of the visual identity unveiling as a moment to celebrate and engage with fans before the start of the Pre-Qualifying Tournaments.
The tournament’s return to Germany for the first time since 1998 has generated excitement among fans and officials alike, with FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis expressing his delight at the creation of the visual identity. The event is seen as a platform for showcasing the skills of the sport’s biggest stars and further promoting women’s basketball on a global scale.
German Basketball Federation (DBB) President Ingo Weiss emphasized the significance of the brand launch as the first major milestone on the ‘Road to Germany’, signaling a new chapter in the development of women’s basketball in the country. With support from key partners, including the Senate Department of Berlin and the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the event is expected to be a transformative experience for the sport.
Teams will compete for qualification through global Qualifying Tournaments, with new Pre-Qualifying Tournaments set to take place in Mexico and Rwanda this month. These tournaments offer additional nations the opportunity to secure a spot in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026, adding to the competitive and diverse field of teams set to participate.
In conclusion, the unveiling of the brand for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 marks an exciting moment in the lead-up to the prestigious event. With a focus on celebrating the unity of Berlin’s urban culture and the excitement of women’s basketball, the visual identity sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and impactful tournament in 2026. Fans, players, and officials alike are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to come together and witness the best of women’s hoops on a global stage.