Qatar to Host 2027 World Cup in Men’s Basketball

This file photo taken on Dec. 20, 2019, shows a view of boats moored in front of high-rise buildings in the Qatari capital, Doha. (AFP)
This file photo taken on Dec. 20, 2019, shows a view of boats moored in front of high-rise buildings in the Qatari capital, Doha. (AFP)
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Qatar to Host 2027 World Cup in Men’s Basketball

This file photo taken on Dec. 20, 2019, shows a view of boats moored in front of high-rise buildings in the Qatari capital, Doha. (AFP)
This file photo taken on Dec. 20, 2019, shows a view of boats moored in front of high-rise buildings in the Qatari capital, Doha. (AFP)

Qatar is going to host another World Cup.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on Friday picked Qatar to host the 2027 edition of its marquee men’s World Cup. It did not say whether there were any other bidders.

Doha will stage all games in the 32-team event, FIBA said, citing upgraded subway and public transport networks that were completed for the men’s football World Cup played last November and December.

“With all of the teams playing in the same city, fans can plan everything far in advance and enjoy a unique experience since all venues are within 30 minutes of each other,” the Switzerland-based governing body said.

“Additionally, all venues to be used for FIBA’s flagship men’s event are already constructed, while widely used green technologies will help in delivering the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 as a carbon-neutral event."

The No. 89-ranked Qatar team will qualify automatically as host. Qatar last played in the event at the 2006 world championship, and lost all five of its games.

Qatar is the third straight Asian host of the men’s tournament. China hosted in 2019 and the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia host this year's edition from Aug. 25-Sept. 12. Spain is the defending champion.

The women’s World Cup in 2026 will be hosted by Germany in Berlin, FIBA also decided Friday.



Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard to Showcase Transformative Urban Development at MIPIM 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard to Showcase Transformative Urban Development at MIPIM 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard to Showcase Transformative Urban Development at MIPIM 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard to Showcase Transformative Urban Development at MIPIM 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Sports Boulevard Foundation announced its participation in MIPIM 2025, the world’s leading real estate investment event, taking place in Cannes, France from March 11 to 14.

As part of the “Invest Saudi” delegation, the foundation will present key investment opportunities and urban development insights, reinforcing Riyadh’s evolution into a global hub for sports, wellness, and sustainable living.

Sports Boulevard—one of Riyadh’s mega-projects—is set to become the world’s largest urban regeneration linear park, spanning more than 135 km across the capital. The project integrates cutting-edge sports infrastructure, vibrant public spaces, and sustainable mobility solutions, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals of enhancing quality of life and economic diversification.

The first phase of Sports Boulevard, opened in February 2025, includes five key destinations along an 83 km stretch, marking a significant milestone in the foundation’s commitment to innovative urban development.

As of December 2024, the project has secured substantial investments, including a combined real estate investment fund valued at approximately $1.47 billion (SAR5.5 billion), which will further boost private-sector participation.

At MIPIM, the foundation will engage with global investors, urban planners, and real estate developers, showcasing prime opportunities across various sectors. Sports Boulevard offers over four million square meters of gross floor area (GFA) earmarked for private-sector participation, including high-end residential units, commercial and retail spaces, and sports venues. This strategic space is poised to attract global investors and developers eager to contribute to Riyadh’s transformation.

CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation Jayne McGivern commented: "Sports Boulevard is more than an urban development; it’s a movement towards a healthier, more sustainable future. We are showcasing Riyadh as a global model for active living, where sports, wellness, and urban infrastructure converge to foster a thriving community."

"With world-class sports facilities, green mobility networks, and vibrant public spaces, the project offers unmatched investment and innovation opportunities in real estate and sustainable urban planning," he said.

With over 4.4 million square meters of green spaces, 220 km of cycling pathways, and an extensive 135 km pedestrian network, Sports Boulevard is redefining urban livability in Riyadh. The project also includes 15 km of dedicated horse-riding trails, more than 50 multidisciplinary sports facilities, and a network of tree-lined walking paths and shaded areas, encouraging outdoor activities in the city’s evolving landscape.

Sports Boulevard is unlocking significant investment opportunities for local and international investors across core asset-class real estate, sports, and infrastructure. Launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on March 19, 2019, and chaired by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the project aims to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors by offering integrated infrastructure, pedestrian pathways, cycling and horse-riding trails, and world-class sports facilities.