The highly-anticipated partnership between Smart Communications, Inc. and the International Basketball Federation has been announced as Smart kicks off coverage of the upcoming FIBA games as the official global brand partner of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Smart is the official global partner of FIBA for the World Cup and is the only telco partner worldwide of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Smart has been championing basketball through the years and has courted destiny to host a basketball event of this magnitude to bring subscribers closer to a passion that is deeply ingrained in the Filipino battle cry “PUSO”.
FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will be jointly hosted by the Philippines, along with Japan and Indonesia. Events in the World Cup’s group phase will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena in 2023. FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will also hold its final phase here in the Philippines in August 2023.
Filipinos will once again experience hardcourt action and drama up close as Smart will give away free tickets to FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 events and tournament windows scheduled in the Philippines, as well as stream the games live on Smart’s GigaPlay App, powered by the Philippines’ fastest 5G mobile network.
“This partnership is special on so many levels because it has been a long time since the country hosted an international basketball event. Since the pandemic, an event as massive as this will likely spark hope in the country that things are getting better. And what better way to feel hope than cheering for our own Gilas Pilipinas team right in our homecourt once again,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart President and CEO and President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“We are happy and honored to be able to work closely with FIBA in bringing the game back home to the Philippines. At Smart, we’re not just here to witness basketball history unfold again right before our very eyes. We’re also here to make sure Filipinos get to experience the games and root for Team Philippines. We’re also excited to welcome the best of the best from teams representing other countries. There’s only world-class basketball to expect and experience with the games being held here in a truly Basketball-loving country,” he added.
“For a country that prides itself in its unmatched love for the sport, Smart has always been at the forefront of supporting the game locally and internationally. There’s no better way to experience the fast-paced and intense international basketball action of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 than by streaming it on the GigaPlay App—powered by our Smart 5G mobile network. We guarantee that Filipino fans will catch every play in high definition when they watch the games with Smart,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.
The Philippines’ Gilas Pilipinas Men’s National Team resumes flag-on-jersey duties on Feb. 24 to 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Gilas Pilipinas renews its rivalry with South Korea while New Zealand battles India on Feb. 24. The following day on Feb. 25, Gilas takes on India while New Zealand faces-off against South Korea.
There will be a one-day break before the Feb. 27 (New Zealand vs Philippines and India vs South Korea) and Feb. 28 (India vs New Zealand and Philippines vs Korea) games.
After Gilas defeated South Korea in two close games last year, expect another chapter of this fierce rivalry to unfold when the two teams meet twice in the next FIBA window.
South Korea will have revenge in mind while Gilas is expected to leave it all out on the floor except a win for the Koreans to preserve the sweet sweep from the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
Spot the Naismith trophy at Smart stores this month
If there’s one symbol that captures the prestige and tradition of FIBA, it’s the Naismith trophy – the official trophy of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. As one of the host countries, Filipinos will get a chance to see the trophy up close at selected Smart stores.
For the first time in history, the trophy of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is almost entirely made of gold with a list inscription of all the world champions. The trophy also features a golden hoop with FIBA’s original name—Federation Internationale de Basketball Amateur.
Designed by Radiant and handcrafted by silversmith Thomas Lyte, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 trophy weighs 7.5 kg and is 60 cm in height. It will be available for public viewing at Smart Store SM Megamall on February 21 between 10AM to 9PM, and at Smart Store Mall of Asia on February 23 between 2 to 3PM.
No reason to miss out on any game
Get a chance to watch the games live by joining Smart’s ticket promos or catch your favorite international basketball stars reporting for FIBA duty by downloading GigaPlay on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app is free to use—simply access it with your Smart-powered devices and stream away.
And if you haven’t made the switch yet, now is a good time to jump to Smart and enjoy the country’s fastest 5G mobile network as cited by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband intelligence. Enjoy the benefits of having high-speed and seamless 5G mobile internet with Smart’s widest and fastest 5G network.
Powered by Smart 5G, you can always stay updated with the latest news, information, highlights, and schedules on FIBA, the NBA, the PBA, and more.
To learn more about Smart’s offers and promos, simply follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.