FIBA’s top executives to visit Jamaica as local basketball hits new heights

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica is set to host two of the most influential figures in international basketball for a historic visit, with Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) Secretary General Andreas Zagklis and FIBA Americas Chief Executive Officer Carlos Alves scheduled to arrive on the island on Saturday, November 14.

The three-day visit, which ends on November 16, marks a significant milestone for Jamaican basketball and comes at a time when the country is making remarkable strides on the international stage.

Organised in collaboration with the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), the visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen Jamaica's relationship with basketball's global governing body, while highlighting the country's growing potential in the sport.

The visit follows a series of historic achievements for Jamaican basketball, including the national men's team's first appearance in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, two victories over highly ranked Puerto Rico in 2025, and Jamaica's hosting of FIBA World Cup qualifying games for the first time in 2026.

The Jamaica Basketball Association has welcomed the visit, describing it as an important opportunity to build on the country's recent achievements and advance the development of basketball locally.

“We are extremely appreciative that FIBA’s Secretary General Andreas Zagklis and FIBA Americas CEO Carlos Alves have chosen to visit Jamaica at such an important time for basketball in our country.

“This is a significant moment for us, particularly given the strides our national teams have made internationally. Their presence signals the growing recognition of Jamaica’s potential in basketball and presents an opportunity to strengthen our partnership with FIBA as we continue to develop the sport at every level,” said Paulton Gordon, president of the Jamaica Basketball Association.

“Basketball in Jamaica has tremendous potential, from the communities and schools to our national teams competing internationally. We see this visit as an opportunity to showcase the talent, passion and progress of Jamaican basketball, while exploring how we can create even greater opportunities for our young athletes,” added Gordon.

The FIBA executives are expected to participate in a series of high-level engagements during their visit, including discussions with representatives of the Jamaica Basketball Association, the Jamaica Olympic Association and government officials. A welcome reception involving basketball stakeholders and members of the media is scheduled for Saturday at 7:00 pm.

A press conference is also being planned for Saturday, providing an opportunity for members of the media to hear from the visiting executives and representatives of the Jamaica Basketball Association on the significance of the visit and the future of basketball development in Jamaica.

The visit comes against the backdrop of growing participation and international success in Jamaican basketball.

According to JaBA, basketball is currently played in approximately 160 communities across Jamaica, with 76 school teams participating in ISSA competitions and 10 established clubs competing in the Jamaica Basketball League.

The country's women's basketball programme has also made significant progress, with Jamaica's Under-23 women's team securing gold at the 2025 FIBA 3x3 Caribbean Cup in The Bahamas after an undefeated campaign.

Approximately 60 Jamaican male and female basketball players are now competing professionally overseas, further demonstrating the country's growing talent pool and international reach.