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With less than one month to go, excitement is building for the inaugural IWBF 3x3 Open World Championships, set to take place at the iconic Sun City Resort in South Africa from 1–3 August 2025. The tournament marks a major milestone for the development of 3x3 wheelchair basketball on the world stage and will bring together an exciting mix of established and debuting nations from across the globe.
The Championships have attracted strong global interest, with over 16 countries confirmed to participate across the men’s and women’s competitions. There is a particularly strong representation from Africa, including 6 teams from 4 nations, reflecting the continent’s growing prominence in the sport. The event will also see Kenya, Slovenia, Croatia, and Libya participating in an IWBF World event for the very first time.
Participating Teams – Men’s Competition:
- Africa: Kenya, Libya, South Africa, Egypt
- Americas: Canada
- Asia Oceania (AOZ): Australia, Iran, Malaysia, UAE
- Europe: Austria, Great Britain, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Portugal, Croatia
Participating Teams – Women’s Competition:
- Africa: Kenya, South Africa
- Americas: Canada
- Asia Oceania (AOZ): Australia, Iran
- Europe: Great Britain, Spain, Switzerland
IWBF President Ulf Mehrens commented:
“The excitement is building as we take this bold step forward with the 3x3 Open World Championship. Sun City offers a spectacular and inclusive setting for this historic event, and the global response from teams is a testament to the sport’s growing reach and appeal. It’s particularly inspiring to see new nations joining the world stage, one of the key goals of the 3x3 initiative, and we can’t wait to welcome them to this vibrant and competitive environment.”
Craig Moorgas, President of WBSA and Chair of the Local Organising Committee, said:
“On behalf of Wheelchair Basketball South Africa, we look forward to welcoming the world to the inaugural IWBF 3x3 Open World Championship at the iconic Sun City. This is a moment of pride for our country and our continent, bringing a world-class event to African soil. We thank the IWBF for their confidence in us and look forward to showcasing not only thrilling competition but also the warmth, hospitality, and unforgettable experiences that South Africa has to offer.”
The IWBF would like to thank Wheelchair Basketball South Africa (WBSA) for their continued collaboration and efforts in the lead-up to what promises to be a memorable Championship.
