Phl-led WC bidders put up united front
The consortium composed of the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia is showing up in full force to make a convincing presentation before the FIBA Central Board in Mies, Switzerland, this Saturday morning as the voting to decide the host of the 2023 FIBA World Cup will be held later that afternoon.
There are two finalists in contention. Aside from the consortium, the two-nation bid of Argentina and Uruguay is still alive. Backing out from the derby last week were Turkey and Russia. Argentina hosted the World Cup in 1950 and 1990 while Uruguay took a turn in 1967.
The Philippines hosted in 1978. Argentina and Uruguay combined with Colombia in a three-way hosting of the FIBA AmeriCup this year so both countries enjoy the advantage of a track record.
The Philippine delegation in Mies is led by SBP chairman emeritus and FIBA Central Board member Manny V. Pangilinan. He will speak during the 20-minute presentation with SBP president Al Panlilio and Rep. Pia Cayetano. Others in the Philippine group are former SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, Gilas head coach/TV5 president Chot Reyes, TV5 Sports head Patricia Hizon and DDB group managing director John Lucas.
Japan will be represented by Japan Basketball Association president and FIBA Central Board member Yuko Mitsuya while the Indonesian delegation will be made up of Indonesian Basketball Association chairman, SEABA president and FIBA Central Board member Erick Thohir and Jakarta Vice Governor Sandi Uno.
Panlilio described the consortium’s bid as strong and compelling. “This will be our final bid to host the FIBA World Cup,” he said. “We failed in our bid to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup even as I felt we had a superior bid which even Yao Ming affirmed. We’re not interested in 2027. It will mean two strikes if we don’t win the bid for 2023.”
China will host the 2019 edition and Panlilio said the bid for 2023 must be a step up from the previous winner. He said if the consortium gains the nod, it will mark the first time that several countries will pool resources to stage the World Cup. Panlilio said it’s not a disadvantage to the consortium that an Asian country is hosting the 2019 tournament. Europe hosted the World Cup back-to-back with Turkey in 2010 and Spain in 2014.
In terms of branding and marketing, Panlilio said the consortium offers a widescale target to tap. The combined population of the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia is 500 million. Since the Philippines is acknowledged as the world’s social media capital, FIBA stands to benefit from a reach that runs into several millions in impressions or eyeballs.
“Basketball isn’t the No. 1 sport in Japan and Indonesia but they’re countries where the growth potential is huge,” said Panlilio. “FIBA’s goal is to grow basketball globally and we think our bid addresses that objective. We’ve got the numbers.” In Indonesia, Uno said the game is picking up popularity in the age level of 28 years and below. With the exposure to the World Cup, Indonesia can build a stronger fan base among the youth.