FIBA: The improved player experience at the World Cup

In the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 implemented the updated Program called “Player Experience”, which, being interwoven with FIBA’s core pillar summed up in the expression “Players First”, enhances the physical, emotional and digital experiences of teams in all aspects of the competition.

The new program was implemented following the recommendation of the Organizing Committee which was subsequently approved by the FIBA ​​Executive Committee. It is an unprecedented investment that ensured his great success in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.

In essence, the Players Experience Program extended to many areas of players’ daily lives such as attending events, including all aspects of accommodation, transport, security and competition, with everyone involved adopting a ‘Players First’ mentality.

One of the key areas of interest underpinning the schedule is a fixture system so player-friendly that it is designed to ensure that no team has to travel more than once during the tournament, with an extra rest day added to the program compared to 2019.

Participating players benefited from single rooms, as well as weight and exercise facilities, which also included a HyperIce recovery area.

In addition to the suite of personalized services, the Players Lounge offered a place to relax and meet, equipped with screens that constantly showed the basketball games of the tournament, access to video games, exclusive access to a “Barber’s Corner” and refreshment stations.

The presence of dedicated staff at the hotels ensured that expectations were met, and in many cases, players enjoyed some extra touches, which included tours and excursions, as well as special bespoke gifts.

Marcelinho Huertas from Brazil said: “It was a great pleasure to play in the World Cup in Indonesia. It is the fifth in my career and, as always, special, as it is for every player. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Indonesian people for their love and support and also for all the structure created to welcome us and of course the volunteers, who have always been very helpful. It was an amazing experience! Thanks».

Serbia coach Svetislav Pesic said: “Everything is great and high standard, basketball courts, food, hotel».

Dairis Bertans from Latvia added: “I have been to many tournaments so I can tell you that this is the best event in terms of organization. The hotel, the stadium, the logistics and the food are all of a very high standard and I have really enjoyed them all».

Yao Ming, president of the Chinese federation, for his part said: “Everything has been done for our players. Everything is at a high level. “Having been a three-time All-Star, I have the experience to say that the players’ lounge, hotel and food is on par with the NBA and how the teams treat their players.”

In addition to enhancing services for the athletes themselves, the Athlete Experience Program ensured that the family and close friends of the players had access to premium tickets to the 2023 FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup.