The draw for the inaugural FIBA Masters Open 2026 was conducted at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in Mies, Switzerland on Friday 29 May 2026 — and Great Britain’s Men’s 50+ team now know exactly who awaits them in Corinth-Loutraki, Greece, where the competition takes place from 4 to 12 July.
GB Maxis have been placed in a group alongside basketball powerhouses Italy and Serbia, as well as Mongolia. The Mongolian connection carries a degree of familiarity: Mongolia’s women’s team proved formidable opponents for the GB F50+ side in the Round of 16 at the 2025 World Masters Championship in Ticino — a match GB ultimately won. Ireland, Italy, Spain and Australia occupy the opposite pool.
A TRULY GLOBAL MASTERS FESTIVAL
The FIBA Masters Open is no ordinary tournament. The inaugural edition features just over 90 selected teams spanning age categories from 40+ to 70+, with both 5-on-5 and 3×3 competitions on the schedule. Teams are travelling from as far afield as Australia, Nigeria, Senegal, Mexico and Chile — a testament to the worldwide reach of masters basketball and the ambition behind FIBA’s landmark event. The competition will be delivered to the high standards for which FIBA is internationally recognised.
GB MAXIS: THE ONLY BRITISH TEAM IN THE COMPETITION
Head Coach Mark Poynton, supported by assistant coaches David Mason and Aaron Syrett, expressed his pride at the opportunity ahead.
“To be featured as the only British team in the competition is unique, but we are also very proud and honoured to be flying the nation’s flag and to support FIBA at this seminal masters event. The stage is set for an epic challenge against arguably some of the strongest basketball nations in the masters community, and we relish the opportunity to be part of FIBA’s historical event.”
THE SQUAD
The GB M50+ roster is rich with former international and professional pedigree. Point guard Damon Cooper, small forward Matt Cunningham, and 6’6″ centre David Ashton provide a proven masters experience, while 6’8″ power forward Matt Williams — a former Reading Rockets player — brings a powerful offensive dimension alongside small forward Phil Kidd.
Defensively, Ewan Kassir is expected to be a formidable presence in and around the key, with 6’4″ Scottish power forward Lee Phillips adding further physicality. Phillips makes his GB debut at this event and will serve as the team’s flag bearer — a fitting honour for a milestone occasion.
Donald ‘Swish’ Sampley, a tenacious and sharp-shooting guard from Scotland, completes a backcourt unit alongside experienced perimeter players Calvin Tarlton, Chris Mark, Dave Mann and Jeff Wadey — giving GB a versatile and cohesive attacking unit.
It is undoubtedly an exciting time for masters basketball globally. GB Maxibasketball will be following every step of the journey in Corinth-Loutraki and bringing you full coverage throughout the competition.
We wish the squad — and all competing nations — the very best of luck.
The full competition draw can be viewed on the FIBA Masters website https://masters.fiba.basketball/en/open-2026/draw
