A historic first for French basketball
With matches scheduled in Lyon, the capital of Gaul is set to become one of the epicenters of international basketball. Alongside Paris and Lille, Lyon will host part of the matches for the 2031 World Cup, marking a historic first for France. This choice is far from coincidental: with modern infrastructure, accessibility, and a passionate sports culture, the city ticks all the boxes to excite fans from around the world.
France has never hosted a men's basketball World Cup before, and this 2031 edition marks a turning point. Awarded by the International Basketball Federation, the competition will bring together 32 nations from August 29 to September 14, 2031. The finals will take place in Paris, but all eyes will also be on Lyon and the LDLC Arena, which will play a key role in the excitement of the event.
Lyon, a showcase for sports and events
If France has secured this organization, it's clearly not by chance. The success of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has weighed heavily in the balance, especially with the enthusiasm for basketball. With over 1.1 million tickets sold for this sport, accounting for 10% of total ticket sales, the momentum is building. The result: increased international credibility and a genuine legitimacy to host an event of such magnitude.
For Lyon, hosting the 2031 Basketball World Cup is a huge spotlight moment. A strategic opportunity to confirm its status as a major event city in Europe. Having already welcomed numerous international competitions, the city is set to shine on a global stage once again, bringing in significant economic, tourism, and media benefits. And we are all hoping with all our hearts that the French Team will play a match here, and why not other big basketball nations like the United States...