The global wheelchair basketball calendar for 2025 is packed with high-level competitions across various formats, providing thrilling action and vital qualification opportunities. From U23 Championships to World Championship Qualifiers, the year promises to be an exciting one for players, teams, and fans alike. Here’s a look at the top international events set to take place in 2025:
U23 Africa Championship – Johannesburg, South Africa (4 - 12 February 2025)
Johannesburg kicks off the year with the U23 Africa Championship, where the continent’s top young male players will vie for a place at the U23 World Championship in São Paulo.
U23 Americas Championship – Bogotá, Colombia (2 - 6 April 2025)
The action then shifts to South America as Bogotá welcomes the U23 Americas Championship. Four teams from across the Americas will battle for the last two available spots at the U23 World Championship in Brazil.
3x3 Asia Oceania Cup – Hangzhou, China (Dates TBC)
The fast-paced 3x3 format makes a return to the Asia Oceania Zone, bringing high-energy action to Hangzhou. Final dates are yet to be confirmed, but the competition promises an electrifying experience following the excitement of Bangkok 2024.
U23 World Championship – São Paulo, Brazil (12 - 20 June 2025)
One of the most anticipated events of the year, the U23 World Championship in São Paulo will see the best young male teams from around the world compete for the prestigious title. This tournament is a crucial platform for the next generation of elite players to showcase their talent.
Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games – Bochum, Germany (16 - 27 July 2025)
Wheelchair basketball will make its debut at the FISU Games, bringing together top university athletes from across the globe. Hosted in Bochum, Germany, this multi-sport event highlights the growing presence of wheelchair basketball in university sports and marks an important step for the inclusion of parasports at this level.
3x3 Open World Championships – Sun City, South Africa (1 - 3 August 2025)
This historic event marks the first IWBF 3x3 World Championship and the first IWBF World Championship to take place in Africa. Hosted at the iconic Sun City resort, it will feature men’s and women’s teams from around the world competing in this inaugural event.
Americas Cup – (August 2025, TBC)
A key competition for male and female teams in the Americas, this event serves as a qualifier for both the Ottawa 2026 World Championship and the 2026 Repechages. Final dates and location are pending confirmation.
European Championship Division C – Samokov, Bulgaria (4 - 13 September 2025)
The road to European glory begins in Samokov, Bulgaria, where teams in Division C will battle for promotion. This event provides an opportunity for emerging national teams to gain experience and climb the competitive ladder in European wheelchair basketball.
European Championship Division A – Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (7 - 19 October 2025)
Sarajevo will host the European Championship Division A, where the continent’s top male and female teams will go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy and qualification for Ottawa 2026 and the 2026 Repechages.
Asia Oceania Championships – Bangkok, Thailand (3 - 16 November 2025)
Closing out the year is the Asia Oceania Zonal Championship, a qualifier for the Ottawa 2026 World Championship and the 2026 Repechage. The Asia Oceania Championships return to Bangkok, Thailand, with teams from across the region competing for top honours and qualification spots.
Looking Ahead
Beyond these major competitions, numerous other tournaments will take place across our Zones and member nations, including IWBF Europe’s EuroCup, the African Regional Qualifiers, and various 3x3 club and national competitions worldwide. Notably, Africa’s Zonal Qualifier will take place in January 2026.
With a packed schedule and exciting venues, 2025 is shaping up to be a exciting year for wheelchair basketball. Stay connected with IWBF for further updates, team announcements, and competition details as the action unfolds!
