FIBA’s recognition of the masters basketball community in December 2025, and the introduction of the FIBA Masters Open competition, signalled a strategic change in the global masters landscape and marked a positive move towards full age inclusion in our sport.
Great Britain as a FIBA national member federation (NMF) followed suit in February 2026, marking this recognition with the extension of its national performance pathway to include masters. As with other FIBA competitions, such as EuroBasket, GB Basketball will enter one national team per age category into the FIBA Masters Open, in accordance with the FIBA Masters regulations for NMF teams.
On the question of the relationship between FIBA and FIMBA, we note the explanation published on the FIBA Masters website, as follows:
The FIMBA organisation inter alia comprises its international and regional Boards, its national representatives and councils.
As a FIBA member, Great Britain aligns with FIBA’s position on FIMBA. However, to be absolutely clear, this does not exclude anyone from expressing an interest in selection to GB Basketball’s national masters teams. From 2026/27, we will work with the governing body to operate an open team selection process, offering any individual player or coach that wishes to represent GB Basketball at masters level, the opportunity to do so. This is regardless of team, club or organisational affiliation, and without prejudice.
In the coming months, we will engage the governing body’s performance leads in this open process. They are invited to attend selection camps (which begin in September 2026) to observe the standard of play and coaching, alongside the service provided by our Performance Support Team. More information will be published at an appropriate time once FIBA has announced the host nation for the FIBA Masters Open 2027.
This is truly an exciting time for masters basketball and we look forward to bringing together a strong set of GB Basketball masters teams in 2027 and, more broadly speaking, for all masters players to continue accessing any participation opportunity they choose.
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GB Maxibasketball is a national performance programme established in 2017/18 offering opportunities for basketball players aged 35+ and beyond to compete on the European and global stage.
