SM Seaside Arena named host of FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2027

The newly inaugurated SM Seaside Arena in Cebu has been officially selected as the host venue for the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2027, with the announcement made during the tournament's brand and logo launch on Wednesday.

The Philippines will stage Asia's premier women's basketball tournament for the first time, welcoming eight of the continent's top national teams to Cebu from July 10 to 28, 2027.

The launch ceremony unveiled the tournament's official branding while introducing SM Seaside Arena as the centerpiece of the competition. Among those in attendance were Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Ricky Vargas, SBP executive director Erika Dy, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr., and other officials from FIBA, the SBP, and the local government.

The tournament logo takes inspiration from the FIBA Women's Asia Cup trophy while incorporating Cebu's official colors, city seal, and traditional Filipino weaving patterns to reflect the host city's heritage.

"The FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2027 provides a platform for the fans in the Philippines to witness the best of women's basketball right in their own country and for the global fans to experience the passion for the sport in the Philippines," said FIBA Asia president Dr. K. Govindaraj.

FIBA Executive Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian highlighted the growing stature of the tournament on the international stage.

"The FIBA Women's Asia Cup now ranks very high in the list of FIBA competitions across genders globally," he said.

"The FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2027 is another step towards consolidating the gains made in the last few years both in terms of excellence in competition and enhancement of women's basketball.

"The brand we unveiled is an attempt to encapsulate the entire experience that the FIBA Women's Asia Cup promises to deliver, especially to the fans of women's basketball in the Philippines and globally."

SBP president Ricky Vargas said hosting the continental championship reflects FIBA's confidence in the Philippines' ability to stage world-class basketball events.

"We are truly honoured and grateful to host the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in 2027. Bringing one of Asia's premier basketball events to the Philippines reflects the confidence that FIBA has in our ability to organize world-class competitions and in the passion of Filipino basketball fans," Vargas said.

SBP executive director Erika Dy believes the tournament will also provide a valuable opportunity for the Gilas Pilipinas Women program.

"Hosting the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in 2027 gives our Gilas Pilipinas Women program a tremendous opportunity to showcase how far we've come," Dy said.

"Our focus has always been on developing a team that can compete consistently at the highest level in Asia, and having the tournament on home soil provides a platform for our players to inspire the next generation of Filipina basketball players."

FIBA Asia Board member and former SBP president Al Panlilio added that bringing the event to Cebu will allow international visitors to experience the province's culture while showcasing one of the country's newest sports venues.

"Philippines has hosted many FIBA competitions in Manila, but now Filipinos get to introduce the rich culture of Cebu to players, team officials, FIBA delegates, and fans," he said.

"The logo features elements that Cebuanos take a lot of pride in. From the beautiful beaches to the local fauna, and the friendly people, there is a lot to celebrate from the region, and we cannot wait to experience all these along with the grand stage being prepared for our athletes."